So when the WBS staff checked with Zonnon about the information before the first game against Springfield, he already knew it. Zonnon’s move impressed the Penguins front office.
“He was dedicated to doing all the little things,” Dubas said.
Doing his homework helped Zonon get off to a strong start, along with some quiet confidence that is crucial for a young player trying to make an impact at the next level.
“Obviously, coming in, I believed in my abilities. I wanted to believe in myself and it was an experience for me, but I also wanted to do whatever I could to help the team,” Zonon said in the same postgame interview. “I definitely didn’t want to just go through the motions tonight. I wanted to be a guy that could help the team as much as possible.”
Zonnon’s playing style is also a factor. Zonon, who is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, describes himself as a power forward and lists Los Angeles’ Adrian Kempe as a player he respects.
“I’m really proud to be able to play a complete game, both defensively and offensively, a guy who can play in any situation,” Zonon said. “I like to get in the dirty stuff, win fights. And become a complete player. That’s my goal.”
MacDonald said Zonon not only plays at a high level, he thinks the level of play is as well.
“You do both of those things and you usually have some success,” McDonald said.
While Zonon still has a lot of work to do as he tries to reach his full potential, it’s important for the Quebec native to try to stay on the court and enjoy the moment, with the junior saying he can’t remember the last time he had so much fun playing.
“That’s the most important thing to me, just having fun, believing in myself and I know good things are going to happen,” he said.
WBS will have a chance to advance in Game 4 on Thursday, May 21 against Springfield. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. If necessary, Game 5 will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 6:05 pm at Mohegan Arena.
Individual playoff tickets may be purchased by calling the Penguins front office at (570) 208-7367 or visiting **wbspenguins.com**.
