HUMBOLDT — Ethan Zielke’s post-secondary destination will allow him to join a successful program and also be a pioneer.
The Humboldt Broncos forward recently announced his commitment to Lindenwood University. The St. Charles, Mo. school’s men’s hockey team won the 2022 American Collegiate Hockey Association Division I men’s championship. It was its four national title. The school announced this spring it will be icing a National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s hockey team starting in the fall.
“Lindenwood men’s hockey has a long history of success,” Zielke said. “They have created a culture of winning. The style of play encouraged by the coaching staff fits my style of play very well.”
Coming off a successfully 18-year-old rookie season, Zielke has junior eligibility remaining. Whenever he heads south, he will be a member of one of the first Lindenwood University NCAA Division I men’s hockey teams. “Having the opportunity to play Division 1 hockey in itself is a tremendous opportunity,” Zielke said. “Being part of a new program with high expectations is very exciting. I’m looking forward to being a part of Division 1 hockey in Missouri.”
The Calgary product has yet to 100 per cent decide which academic program he would like to pursue. He noted, “Lindenwood has an excellent physical education program, and I am leaning towards pursuing a degree in that field.”
Zielke praised the Broncos organization for its role in getting him to this point.
“There was a lot of focus on our team this year because of how successful we were on the ice,” he said in reference to the squad posting the second-best record in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League regular season. “Our success as a team drew the attention of scouts and recruiters. I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to play a key role amongst a talented lineup of forwards. [Head coach] Scott Barney and the rest of the coaching staff have confidence in their players, creating room for players to develop their game and be the best version of themselves on the ice.”
Zielke posted 36 points with nine goals in 55 games this past winter. He recorded 21 of those points in his last 24 regular season outings. Zielke received the Roger Nielson Hockey Ministries Award and the Coaches Award for the ‘Best Team Player’ at the Broncos’ awards banquet.
“Ethan is a player that every coach wants on their team. He will win you faceoffs, kill penalties, contribute on offence, and will never once not give you 110 per cent,” Barney said on the team’s website.
NHL Draft Rankings
Two Broncos were listed in the National Hockey League Central Scouting final rankings for North American skaters for upcoming NHL Draft.
LeRoy’s Connor McGrath is ranked 146th. He won the SJHL’s RBC Top Forward, DirectWest Rookie of the Year and SJHL Top Scorer awards. During the regular season, the 18-year-old forward posted 35 goals and 84 points in 56 games.
Teammate Matthew Perkins is ranked 106th ahead of the draft. The forward from Balgonie had 23 goals and 59 points in 57 games.
Award Finalists
Broncos Rayce Ramsay and McGrath are finalists for the Canadian Junior Hockey League awards.
Ramsay is up for Top Goaltender. The University of Toronto commit set a SJHL single season record with 41 wins in 50 starts. The Saskatoon product led SJHL starters with a 1.98 goals against average and save percentage of .930.
McGrath is a finalist for Top Rookie. During his impressive season, he had league best points streaks of 14 and 12 games.
Recruits
The Broncos continue to build their roster for next season. They have received commitments recently from:
Keenan McNeill
2004 Forward
6-foot-1, 170 pounds
Edmonton
SSCA Athletics U18 AAA
35 games, 9G, 11A, 20PTs
Was team captain
“We are excited to add Keenan to our roster. He plays a complete 200-foot game, very strong on the puck in the tough areas of the ice, and is a natural born leader as well,” Barney said.
Kaycee Coyle
2004 Defenceman
5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Cooks Creek, Man.
Eastman Selects U18 AAA
38 games, 11G, 14A, 35PTs
“Kaycee comes to us after having an exceptional year in Manitoba,” Barney said. “His ability to skate, combined with playing a heavy game, are just two of his assets that we look forward to seeing and help developing here in Humboldt this season.”
Mason Lobreau
2004 Goaltender
5-foot-10, 150 pounds
Brandon, Man.
Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA,
19-2-2,.919 SV%, 2.46 GAA
“Mason is a goalie that we feel has only scratched the surface of his potential. He’s a very technical goaltender who has had a great season with his club in Brandon. We’re excited to see his game continue to grow in a Broncos’ uniform,” Barney said.
Lucas Perry
2004 Defenceman
6-foot-2, 181 pounds
Edmonton
CAC Canadians U18 AAA
37 games, 4G, 6A, 10PTs
Was assistant captain
“Lucas is a smooth skating D-man who we feel has a ton of upside to his game in all aspects. He’s a player that really opened our eye and impressed us at our spring camp,” Barney said.
