Zach Parise had an outstanding college hockey career at the University of North Dakota from 2002 to 2004. As a freshman during the 2002-03 season, he led all NCAA rookies in scoring with 61 points (26 goals and 35 assists) in 39 games. His exceptional performance earned him a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, making him the only freshman and the first UND rookie to be a finalist. He was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player and Male Rookie Athlete of the Year.

After being drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Parise embarked on a successful 19-season professional career in the NHL. He played for the Devils, where he served as captain and led them to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, as well as the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and Colorado Avalanche. Parise was also a key member of Team USA, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He finished his career with 434 goals and 455 assists for a total of 889 points in 1,254 games.