Photo Credit: Hickling Images
It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come June. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman? These are some very valid questions that people have.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Head Scout Chris Pryor, and the drafting guru in Ron Hextall for overall success during the draft. Gone are those days, as this year the Flyers new General, General Manager Chuck Fletcher will have his second draft with the orange and black. With that being said, there’s a Center/Wing that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the first round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Connor Zary. Zary has all the skills to be a Flyer, “I’m a very skilled and high hockey IQ player,” Zary said, “A hard working, passionate player who loves to win.”
Zary was born on September, 25, 2001, in Saskatoon, SK, CAN (AKA the motherland of hockey). This native of Canada found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact I’m sure he started skating when he was just 2-3 years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Kamloop Blazers (WHL) in 2018-19. At the young age of 17, he registered 24 goals, and 43 assists for a total of 67 points in 63 games played. Zary managed to kill the league in just his second season for the Blazers, so just who is this young prospect? “I think my whole childhood like almost every other kid in Canada I idolized Sidney Crosby just the way he played and handled himself, I also started watching more and more highlights of Wendel Clark cause he was a hard player who still scored and a good Saskatchewan boy!”
The young prospect in Zary continued, “Just keep working out hard in the gym and Improving my game on the ice, I don’t think anybody is perfect so there is always room to improve any skill.”
This 17-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2019-20 season. For the season, he has registered 38 goals, and 48 assists for a total of 86 points in 57 games played. Zary showed determination and grit to improve his game, as he leaned on his parents for advice like always, “I would say my parents shaped me into the player and person I am today just because the instilled hardwork and me and always let me have fun with what I’m doing,” Zary said.
Zary entered the 2019-20 season determined to be a leader on and off the ice. He has faced some unique challenges in the past, but Zary wanted to conquer all the odds and be the player he knew he could be.
This young prospect from Saskatoon has transformed the Blazers offense into a powerhouse in just his third season for them. It shows just how good Zary really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL. Suzuki can thank his skating for his success for sure, “Just keep working out hard in the gym and improving my game on the ice, I don’t think anybody is perfect so there is always room to improve any skill,” Zary said, “It’s pretty exciting, you realize all the work you put in and being able to getting closer to realizing your dreams you have worked towards, my family has been my biggest support my whole life and I know their also very excited. I think growing up it has always been the NHL. That has always been the dream and the goal.”
The Blazers product, Zary just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons for the Blazers, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and blazing speed. He has a lethal wrist shot, to go with his good vision of the ice. Moreover, Zary is out to prove that he can do this when given the chance, “My characteristics are always working hard and having a good attitude,” Zary says, “Also always working on skating and my skills in the off-season to improve them. I always think I’m a very adaptable player that’s adapts to all situations of the game.”
Hopefully, Zary continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and Zary can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future, especially with his size down the middle or on the Wing. As Zary completes the interview, he wanted to say one last thing to Flyers fans:
“Just thankful for the amazing opportunities I have in front of me and I can’t wait to start playing in front of you guys and show you what I can do.”
