2026 | North Carolina |

Jr. Hurricanes 18U Black AA | |

Zach is probably the hardest working, most respectful “team first” players I have ever coached in 15 plus years.

There is no quit or lack of effort in his game or his practice sessions. He has never uttered a negative word towards an opponent, teammate, official, coach–nothing , ever. He is always positive and smiling. He treats everyone around him with the highest level of respect.
School is always a priority for Zach. He works extremely hard in his classes, and his grades show it. He puts in a ton of time with his high school track team, yet still finds the heart and desire to come to team events and practices with the same hustle and positivity. No matter how hectic his school schedule might be.
He is a “role player” on his current 18U team. He isn’t known for his goal production, but… in our state championship game, he took it all to the next level. We won 3-1. Zach scored all 3 goals. He took it upon himself to leave everything on the ice. Knowing that could have been his very last youth hockey game ever. Could have been the last game for many of our players.
He not only wanted his team to succeed, he wanted each individual around him to be successful as well.

His positivity is infectious, and it always spreads around to his teammates. I can not say enough good things about him.

He has been more than a pleasure to coach. He has been a positive influence to players and coaches. We will be sad to see him move on. But with the way he carries himself, and that unbelievable level of respect and work ethic-it will take him above and beyond the next level of his life and his future endeavors.