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| (above) Nolan Zajac |
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Nolan Zajac has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Denver in 2012. His father, Tom Zajac, played forward for DU in the 1970's (38g, 37a) and two of his older brothers played for the University of North Dakota and another brother played at Union College.
Zajac collected 30 points (3g, 27) and a +15 rating in just 45 games this season for the RoughRiders. He tied for ninth among USHL defensemen in scoring and was fifth among blueliners with 27 assists. The 18-year-old defenseman helped the RoughRiders tie a team record with 42 victories on the way to capturing the Anderson Cup title for best regular season finish in the League. It was the second USHL season for the native of Winnipeg, Manitoba after recording 11 assists in 49 games during his rookie campaign in 2009-10.
Nolan Zajac is the youngest of four hockey-playing brothers and the only defenseman among the family. The oldest, Travis, completed his fifth season with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. Darcy spent this season in the Devils system, playing 40 games for their AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils. Kelly recently completed his junior season at Union College.
Zajac will join RoughRiders teammate Josiah Didier, who is also committed to the University of Denver.
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D-F Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-18)
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL)
F Garrett Allen (Chicago, USHL)
D Nolan Zajac (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)
14 comments:
Looks like an exciting signing. USHL defenseman that put up big assist totals usually do very well on the NCAA level.
Guess this is Mike Chambers' "big name" defenseman. :-}
He looks like his old man. :-)
Finally a Zajac fils not lured by the darkside. Guess he didn't want to be a Flickertail.
How could a dad who played hockey for D.U. let his two oldest sons go to North Da goona.???
They thought that they would have a better chance of winning a national championship there. Obviously, they were wrong. Good choice Nolan :-)
The family lives in Winnipeg, 150 miles from Grand Forks. Great recruiting job to get Nolan to come to DU.
Seriously DG, if UND was interested, young Zajac would be playing for the Sioux. I'm sure he's a fine player. He'll be a nice fit for DU.
I thought the Zajacs (at least Travis) went to the school of the fighting susans more or less because they perceived UND as better at developing players for the NHL. Probably a combination of things, however...
Seems to have worked out quite well for Travis. Travis was so talented, even DU could of prepared him nicely for the NHL.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/kids-got-game-brother-43527577.html?viewAllComments=y
Article dad, Tom, and Nolan from his midget days.
Travis wasn't talented enough to beat DU in the national championship game. I'm glad to see that he is passing along his wisdom gained in college to his younger brother - DU is the better hockey team and school.
yawn.....layoff the crimson glasses dude.
5:21. I'll take off my crimson glasses if you step out of the gold shower.
For the record, I don't have anything against Travis and thought/still think he's a great player. He just chose the wrong school and he missed out on the opportunity to have a national championship ring. You can call that crimson glasses...i'd call it a fact.
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