Hells Angels holding memorial ride through Sudbury June 27 to honour Phil Boudreault
The Hells Angels are planning a memorial ride in Sudbury this weekend, paying tribute to Phil Boudreault, a former Sudbury Olympic boxer and biker who died Jan,. 20, just shy of his 51st birthday
Jenny Lamothe Sudbury .com June 26, 20262
https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/hells-angels-holding-memorial-ride-through-june-27-to-honour-phil-boudreault-12466300
The Hells Angels are planning a memorial ride in Sudbury June 27, paying tribute to Phil Boudreault, a former Sudbury Olympic boxer and outlaw biker who died Jan. 20, just shy of his 51st birthday.
In a social media post, Greater Sudbury Police alerted the community to traffic disruptions and a “highly visible police presence” this weekend due to the ride “and associated events” taking place.
The public can expect to see an “increased number of motorcycles travelling in groups, as well as individuals wearing motorcycle club colours from June 26-28,” GPS said.
Police said temporary traffic delays or disruptions are expected to peak midday on June 27. Disruptions may occur during the ride along the Kingsway, downtown core and MR80 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Boudreault (whose nickname was ‘Crazy’) is the only boxer from Sudbury to compete at the Summer Olympics, representing Canada at the 1996 Games in Atlanta where he nearly won a medal. Boudreault later transitioned into professional boxing, competing until an injury forced his retirement in 2009.
As a young man, he balanced his boxing career while maintaining membership in the Satan’s Choice outlaw motorcycle club, which later merged with the Hells Angels. Boudreault rose through the ranks to become a high-ranking member of the motorcycle club. He also served prison time for a 2004 altercation involving a father and son at a bar.
In 2016, Boudreault survived a shooting while riding his motorcycle with his girlfriend in Quebec. Although the incident confined him to a wheelchair and led to subsequent health battles with infections and sepsis, which ultimately took his life.
Friends of Boudreault told Sudbury.com June 23 he was a beloved member of the Sudbury community, particularly for his willingness to support young people who may be on the road to ruin. As he hated the winter, they said his loved ones and member-brothers waited for the summer to honour him.
In their press release about the ride, GSPS stated, “Police are aware of the event and are working closely with the Ontario Provincial Police-led Biker Enforcement Unit and local OPP members to ensure a coordinated and informed policing response.”
SPS will be in place “to support real-time monitoring, allow for immediate response to any public safety concerns, and assist with traffic management.”
They are advising residents and motorists to prepare for altered road conditions over a three-day period. In particular, police note there will be a “heightened police presence in certain areas of the city including Valley East and the West End.”
GSPS states that “officers will work to minimize impacts and keep traffic moving safely,” but motorists are still encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow directions from police officers.
While the event involves a prominent outlaw motorcycle club, police emphasized that there is no evidence of an active threat, though they urge residents to maintain their distance.
“Community members are reminded not to engage with or confront individuals associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs,” the release states. “At this time, there is no indication of a specific threat to public safety related to this event.”
Addressing the legality of the event, the GSPS clarified their mandate regarding public assemblies, noting that the charter protects the right to gather regardless of the group’s reputation.
“Police do not prevent lawful gatherings, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of assembly – even in cases where participants may be associated with controversial or criminally-linked groups. Our role is to ensure public safety and enforce the law where necessary,” the statement read.
“GSPS appreciates the cooperation and patience of the community as we work to maintain a safe environment for everyone.”
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter at Sudbury.com.
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