Phil Boncore has been playing his best hockey of the season. The junior forward put the “o-r-y” in victory against Hudson with his two goals in the third period.
The three-sport athlete was asked about his own contribution on offense and the team’s wide edge in the two tournament games.
“It’s all Petey [Silverman] and Holgie [Mike Holgersen] honestly,” said Boncore about his linemates. “[Mike] Donahue is playing out of his mind. He’s keeping us in everything. He’s making the saves he needs to save. The ‘D’ is everywhere. They’re scoring goals. We’re always in the offensive zone and that begins with our defense.”
Boncore has been playing with a lot confidence, perhaps a benefit of having competed in playoff games in multiple sports.
“Coach [Dale Dunbar] is just believing in me right now,” said Boncore. “He believes in me and I trust him to let the boys need to do what they need to do.”
Boncore also praised the Winthrop High students who helped fill Larsen Rink all season and into the playoffs.
“They’re awesome. I mean, having all of our friends there, they’re so supportive,” he said.
Dunbar said Boncore is playing sound, consistent, two-way hockey.
“Phil is coming on at the right time of the season,” said Coach Dale Dunbar. “He’s been finding the net. We need that consistency with everybody finding the net. Playoff time you need secondary scoring, checkers to check, scorers to score, and Donny [Mike Donahue] to keep the puck out of the net.”