Tom Boon Towers Over the Rest in Pro League

Tom Boon isn’t getting any younger at 34 but he is probably in the ‘form of his life’ in the 2024-25 Pro League. The ace Belgium forward has really set the Pro League on fire, chalking up two splendid hat-tricks against formidable Germany while essaying power-packed 4-3 and 6-3 wins at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam.

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Boon did not have a great 2024 Olympic campaign as the Red Lions were shown the tournament exit door in the quarterfinal stage by Spain. But the striker, who plays club hockey for Leopold, scored a brace in their 3-3 regulation time draw against Olympic champions Netherlands a match they lost in the shootout 1-3.

He stood out for his brilliant opening goal against Germany in the first leg which Belgium won 4-3 – it was a superb sliding goal off a pass from Thibeau Stockbroekx. Boon wrapped up his hat-trick converting two shorties to lap up a 4-1 lead before Germany reduced the deficit.

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The four-time Olympian, who was instrumental in Belgium’s silver medal-finish in the 2023 World Cup at India scoring 8 goals, produced another masterclass in their 6-3 second leg win over Germany – a sizzling tomahawk from Boon was followed by a stroke conversion – he completed his hat-trick orchestrating a dazzling solo goal beating the Germany defensive duo of Lukas Windfeder and Gonzallo Peillat.

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Belgium men’s team under Shane McLeod (his second stint as Red Lions coach) is going through a period of transition – Paris Olympic captain Felix Denayer, world’s most capped player John-John Dohmen, Cedric Charlet, Florent Van Aubel, and Loick Luypaert. Given this scenario, it must be pleasing to the eye of coach Shane McLeod and the think-tank to see vastly experienced guy like Boon stepping up his game and making his presence felt in no uncertain terms.

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The menacing form the three-time World Cupper has showcased in the first set of Pro League games augurs well for the Red Lions but not comforting news for the opposition teams.

Image Credit: FIH