Boys athlete of the week
// The Post-Gazette’s top male performer from the past seven days
The past week: Wilbert, a freshman goaltender for the Indians, stopped 23 of 25 shots in a 5-2 win against Central Catholic in the PIHL Class 3A Penguins Cup final, then made 37 saves in a 2-1 victory against Holy Ghost Prep in the Pennsylvania Cup state championship game.
Check this out: Wilbert was a gut choice to start the playoffs by Peters Township coach Rick Tingle that paid off with a state title. After going 2-3-0 in six regular-season games, he was
4-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .964 save percentage including a shutout during the playoffs. What was your first reaction when your coach said you were the guy going into the
playoffs? At first I was shocked, but I knew that getting a chance to play and to play next year I had to prove myself, so I kind of put a little pressure on myself. Have you kind of stepped back after the state playoffs and looked at what you did? A
little bit. I was shocked but I was more relieved I had done something like this. I was relieved for the seniors that struggled through all season What was the difference for you during the season and the
playoffs? I just honestly ... my numbers were just as good during the season as they were in the playoffs, but I feel like I just played to the best of my ability in the playoffs because I wanted to win so bad. Was there one save that stood out for you in the state
championship game? Probably the save I made right after they scored their goal. It was on a breakaway and I stuck the pad out and saved it. What do you do when you’re not playing hockey? I like to go to the gym a lot, hang out with friends, play roller hockey and dekhockey. Is there any particular player you look up to? I really look up to John Gibson. He’s a Pittsburgh guy. He struggled through, not making teams he wanted to. He had some setbacks
and he’s playing in the NHL today and I just look up to that. Goalies always have some kind of ritual. What are some
of yours? Before a game, I just sit there and I just sort of focus and clear my mind of everything else going on and focus on the game in front of me. During the game, I take a little loop in the corner and skate in a circle. It keeps me from standing still and keeps me moving.