Red Deer Minor Hockey product Josh Zinger will take his hockey talents to Michigan next year.
The Olds Grizzlys defenceman committed to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. The Wildcats are an NCAA Division I program that plays in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
“My teammates have been very supportive and have pushed me to get better every day in practice,” Zinger said in a press release.
“I’ve had a great experience in Olds, both on and off the ice. It’s been great. I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout my career.”
The 20-year-old has played 23 games for the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season and has seven goals and 16 assists.
The five-foot-11, 181-pound defenceman is in his third AJHL season. He played for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in 2019-20, before joining the Grizzlys last season.
Zinger started his junior career as a forward with Salmon Arm of the British Columbia Hockey League, before joining the Oil Barons. Last summer, after joining the Grizzlys the previous season, Zinger made the switch to defence and it’s paid off – he has played at nearly a point-per-game pace this season.
“I’m very excited for Josh, he took a risk by switching positions this year and it’s paid off, but I’m not surprised,” said Grizzlys head coach Scott Atkinson in a release.
“He’s a very dedicated athlete who is extremely coachable and his athleticism is off the charts. His tremendous speed and agility make him a very dynamic offensive defenceman.
“I think he is just scratching the surface of what his capabilities can be. Josh is also a tremendous teammate who is a co-captain on our team. He’s earned this opportunity, I’m very happy for him.”
byron.hackett@reddeeradvocate.com
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