2024 | Maryland | BOYS

Winston Churchill High School Ice Hockey Team | Bulldogs | BOYS

Throughout Zack’s high school experience, he has demonstrated a relentless passion for the game, consistently giving his all on the ice and typifies the values of sportsmanship, dignity, and honor that the Hobey Baker Award represents.

Zack began his high school hockey career on the Winston Churchill High School junior varsity hockey team, where he distinguished himself quickly with his drive and determination to better himself and those around him. He stood out as one of the more coachable players, shunning personal accolades and seeking constructive feedback at every opportunity.

Recognizing his standout skill, attitude and leadership potential, he was elevated to the varsity team the following season where he didn’t disappoint. He became known for consistently leading by example, inspiring his teammates to elevate their performance and work together towards shared goals. His positive attitude, resilience in the face of adversity, and ability to foster a sense of camaraderie among teammates made him a natural leader and role model for his peers.

Not surprisingly, the next year he was named Alternate Captain of the Varsity squad where he embodied the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. He continued to be a student of the game, and of how to lead and inspire others, to create outcome greater than an individual contribution.

In recognition of his success, he was named Team Captain this season. Known for his quiet leadership and humble approach, he consistently is the hardest working player before, during and after practices and games, driving others to be their best and attain goals beyond what they thought possible. Zack also played a vital role with our Hockey Club off the ice. He was integral in organizing and managing our summer dry land training, initiated a player group chat before TeamSnap was up and running, assisted with player registration at the start of the season, facilitated the team jacket order, and has consistently been the Go-To person on a multitude of topics for me. What is most appreciated is that Zack took these initiatives to volunteer for these responsibilities without being asked.

Beyond this earnest effort, Zack’s approaches every aspect of the game with a high level of professionalism and determination. Whether it’s pushing himself to excel in training sessions, studying game strategies, or leading by example during crucial moments on the ice, Zack’s commitment to continuous improvement is second to none. Moreover, his contributions to the Maryland Student Hockey League Championship-winning team in 2022 highlight his ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory.

Zack’s exceptional hockey skills are a testament to his talent and zeal to master his craft. His agility, precision, and strategic acumen on the ice have earned him recognition as one of the top players in the MSHL. As evidence of this amazing young man’s skill and drive, his awards include: Montgomery Hockey Conference All Conference (2024), and Montgomery Hockey Conference All Division First Team (2024), and Montgomery Hockey Conference All Division First Team (2023.)

His ability to read the game, make split-second decisions, and execute plays with finesse make him a formidable force on the ice and a true asset to any team.

Zack’s influence reaches beyond the excitement of the high school hockey rink. Zack has volunteered with the Washington Ice Dogs Special Hockey program, Camp Weequahic, and the Wayside Elementary School. Zach has earned more than 166 Student Service Hours (SSL) which is greater than 220% of what the Montgomery County Public School System requires of its students to meet graduation requirements.

Zack began his hockey odyssey with the Montgomery Youth Hockey Association. At this early age his industriousness made him stand out as he led team workouts, practice and team bonding activities. He was named Alternate Captain in 2020, and Captain the following season (2022) for his A and AA travel teams.

Zack has a 3.96 GPA (unweighted) and 4.78 (weighted), is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as Winston Churchill High School Ambassador to mentor, assist and be a role model for rising and current students, and lead tours for parents and new students. Zack also is a member of the English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) club, where he tutors and engages students in elementary grades in low-income areas, builds lasting relationship with them and help with fundraisers and special events.

Always one to challenge himself Zack opted to take Advanced Placement Courses in Human Geography, Government Politics US NSL, Psychology, English Language and Composition, Calculus AB, AP Microeconomics and Honors Courses in English 9, English 10, Foundations of Computer Science, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, US History, Modern World, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health Education, Spanish 3, Spanish 4, Spanish 5.

As a direct result of this young man’s assiduousness, his honors and awards include Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish), the Maryland Student Hockey League Academic Roll (2021-2022, 2022-2023), the Winston Churchill High School Honor Roll (2020-present) and most recently Zack was named “Montgomery County High School Athlete of the Week” by the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame and Montgomery Community Media (link.)
He is a true asset to the sport of ice hockey and a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.

Sincerely,

Mike Nelson
Program Director
Winston Churchill Ice Hockey Club