Shoebox Memories: Phil Bourque

This is "the ol' two-niner" Phil Bourque. He was an aggressive defenseman who found success in the NHL as a forward. His is a story quite similar to that of one time teammate Marty McSorley. Both broke into pro hockey as defensemen in the Pittsburgh Penguins minor league system in the early 1980s. Both were rugged long shots to make it to the NHL, but made it they did. Both became Stanley Cup champions.

Speaking of McSorley, Bourque had an interesting story about big Marty on the Hockey Night In Canada radio show. Here's how host Jeff Marek described the story later on via Twitter:

@JeffMarek: Strangest moment of @hnicradio show: Phil Bourque talking about Marty McSorley EATING Vicks Vapo Rub when felt a cold coming

Aye aye-aye!

By the way, Phil Bourque is of no relation to Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. However, when people ask if his brother is Ray Bourque, fun-loving Phil often answers with a yes. Why? Because he does have a brother named Raymond - just not that Raymond Bourque!