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Nolan Zajac (born August 1, 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for Grizzlys Wolfsburg in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Prior to turning professional, he played four seasons with the Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey team. His older brothers Travis, Kelly, and Darcy are also professional ice hockey players.

Early life

Zajac was born on August 1, 1992, in Winnipeg, Manitoba,[1] as the youngest son to parents Tom and Trish Zajac. His older brothers Travis, Kelly, and Darcy are all professional ice hockey players.[2] His father Tom also played collegiate hockey for the University of Denver.[3] Growing up, Zajac wanted to play goaltender but was encouraged to become a defenceman by his older brothers.[4] When reflecting on his childhood, he credited his family for his success.[5]

Playing career

Growing up in Manitoba, Zajac played minor ice hockey with the Winnipeg Thrashers of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League.[6] While with the team, he competed in the 2009 Telus Cup where he was the top scorer.[7] He also competed with Team Canada West at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.[8] As a result of his play, Zajac was drafted 12th overall by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the 2009 United States Hockey League (USHL) Draft.[9][10] He played 101 games with the RoughRiders, recording 42 points, before being traded to the Omaha Lancers in exchange for Nathan Widman.[11] Upon joining the Lancers, Zajac was selected for the 2011 USHL Mid-Season All-Star Team.[12] Zajac completed his tenure in the USHL with 80 points in 154 games.[1]

While attending George Washington High School,[8] Zajac announced his commitment to play with the Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey team.[3]

Professional

Zajac completed his first professional season fifth among all ECHL defenders in scoring with 54 points. He also appeared in 11 American Hockey League (AHL) contests with the Iowa Wild, Hershey Bears, and Manitoba Moose. On August 4, 2017, he signed his first AHL contract with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the Philadelphia Flyers organization.[13] While playing with the Reading Royals, Zajac was selected for the 2017–18 All-ECHL Second Team after ending the season tied for second among league blue liners.[14]

Following his season with the Royal, Zajac signed with the IK Oskarshamn, who were then playing in the HockeyAllsvenskan.[15] He recorded 31 points in 52 games before signing with the Stavanger Oilers of the Norwegian Eliteserien league.[16] Zajac returned to the IK Oskarshamn for the 2020–21 season.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b "Nolan Zajac". eliteprospects.com. Elite Prospects. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  2. ^ Bender, Jim (April 17, 2012). "Zajacs the 1st family of Manitoba hockey". Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Chambers, Mike (October 17, 2012). "Nolan Zajac first DU player since father Tom in 1970s". Denver Post. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  4. ^ Kreda, Allan (January 13, 2014). "Four Talented Brothers, in the Devils' Familiar Mold". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  5. ^ Monroe, Mark (November 9, 2015). "Hockey is in family bloodlines of Zajac". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  6. ^ Prest, Ashley (April 23, 2009). "Kid's got game, brother". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  7. ^ "2009 TELUS Cup player award winners announced". hockeymanitoba.ca. April 25, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Nolan Zajac". denverpioneers.com. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  9. ^ Johnson, Jeff (May 14, 2009). "Riders draft defenseman". The Gazette. Retrieved May 25, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "USHL Entry Draft Results". ushr.com. May 13, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  11. ^ "Lancers Acquire D Nolan Zajac from Cedar Rapids". oursportscentral.com. October 24, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  12. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (February 21, 2011). "USHL All Star selections". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  13. ^ "Phantoms Sign D Nolan Zajac to AHL Contract". phantomshockey.com. August 4, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  14. ^ "F MATT WILLOWS AND D NOLAN ZAJAC NAMED TO 2017-18 ALL-ECHL SECOND TEAM". royalshockey.com. April 5, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "Kanadensisk Allstar-back stärker IK Oskarshamn". ikoskarshamn.se (in Swedish). June 4, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  16. ^ "Nolan siste back inn". oilers.no (in Norwegian). July 11, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  17. ^ "Nolan Zajac gör comeback!". ikoskarshamn.se (in Swedish). April 28, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2021.

External links

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_Zajac