Boice Steps Into Leadership Role

Article by N. Schoonderbeek/Photos by Riley Mansfield & Shannon Nagle Photography

The Eagles’ Schmalz Cup semi-finals begin on Friday evening. Fans making the trip to Hanover will notice something different about Joe Boice, the 6’2” centreman the Eagles acquired from the North Kawartha Knights before the trade deadline.

Boice will be wearing the C.

Coach Dean Baumhauer was approached by some of his players and assistant coaches, who suggested that Boice become team captain. When Baumhauer talked to the other players, they were resoundingly positive. Boice, however, was less sure.

“He was humbled and felt he hadn’t played here long enough. But the boys convinced him they wanted him to have it,” said Baumhauer. “This recognizes that he plays the game the right way and always has his teammates’ back.”

Boice was a formidable opponent to play against every time the Eagles matched up against him in North Kawartha, where he was also team captain. Some of the Eagles’ players may have held a grudge against him, but that seems to have disappeared now that he’s a teammate. And the feeling was mutual. “There were a couple of guys I didn’t like playing against, but we all like each other now,” laughed Boice.

The Eagles need Boice’s brand of no-nonsense leadership, according to Baumhauer. “He’s good at saying the right things in the room. He’s not too worried about hurting someone’s feelings. If something has to be said to the group, he’ll say it. A captain must do that, and the team listens to what he has to say.”

Reflecting on the East Conference championships, Boice noted that some guys stepped up their game and stood out more than they had in previous rounds. “Going forward, we need everyone to play up a level, not just our star guys,” he said. He has also reflected on what must happen to succeed in the semi-finals. “We can clean some stuff up and be more disciplined for the next round. We’re spending a little too much time in the penalty box. Other than that, I think we’ll be alright.”

Boice lives in West Guilford and has a two-hour commute to Bowmanville, yet he shows up for every practice and game. He obtained his real estate license in September and works as a realtor in Haliburton. He looks forward to coaching in his local arenas when his junior hockey career is over and has already been assisting with practices, most recently with a U18 team.

Boice acknowledged that he has some big shoes to fill from Mitch Davies, but he can count on the support of his teammates as he takes on his latest leadership role.

“We’re lucky that we have a good room full of leaders, not just those with the letters,” said Baumhauer.