The Olds Grizzlys are proud to announce that 20 year old defenceman Josh Zinger has committed to Northern Michigan University. Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, Michigan and the Wildcats are a NCAA Division I program who play in the highly competitive Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Zinger started his Junior career as a forward splitting his first year between Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL). The Grizzlys acquired Josh early last season via the trade route. Over the past summer he made the decision to change his position from forward to defence. That decision has propelled him to new heights in terms of offensive production. In 59 career games as a forward Zinger amassed 23 points, this season he has matched that point total in just 25 games as a defenceman. In week three Zinger was recognized as the AJHL’s Defensive Player of the Week.
After receiving the good news Head Coach Scott Atkinson had this to say about Zinger, “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. 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.”
After committing to the Wildcats Zinger had this to say, “I would like to thank the Grizzly organization for providing me with the opportunity I needed to succeed in my efforts to obtain a College scholarship. My teammates have been very supportive and have pushed me to get better every day in practice. I’ve had a great experience in Olds, both on and off the ice. Its been a great. I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout my career.”
The entire Grizzlys organization would like to congratulate Josh and his family on his achievements.