 Bouchard was determined, strong and developed enough skills to impress coach Dick Irvin in the Canadiens' 1940–41 training camp after which he was signed as a free agent.Bouchard had arrived at training camp in peak condition, which was unusual for National Hockey League (NHL) players of the time.To attend this first training camp he rode a bike , which also allowed him to pocket the travel expenses the Canadiens had allotted.