2017 | Ohio | BOYS

DeSales Hich School | Stallions | BOYS

This athlete was selected due to his constant encouragement of players younger, or less talented than himself. For three years of coaching him, he always pushed anyone with less skill and encouraged them to do their best. We were laying in a tournament this year when we were beating a team by a handful of goals so I gave a freshman, who just started playing ice hockey (made varsity due to lack of players) this year. Zach was in a position he could have scored a goal for himself after working extremely hard to get there, but instead faked out the goalie, slid the puck to this beginner player for this player to put in the net. This was the players first goal ever in ice hockey. The team celebrated and everyone continued to encourage the new player. The puck was saved and I’m sure a mantle showpiece for the player, but it would not have been possible without the selflessness of Zach, which to me showed true character.