Riders Zajac Commits to University of Denver

Press Release

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Nolan Zajac has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Denver following his USHL career.

Zajac collected 30 points (3g, 27) and a plus-15 rating in just 45 games this season for the RoughRiders. He tied for ninth among USHL defensemen in scoring and was fifth among blueliners with 27 assists. The 18-year-old defenseman helped the RoughRiders tie a team record with 42 victories on the way to capturing the Anderson Cup title for best regular season finish in the League. It was the second USHL season for the native of Winnipeg, Manitoba after recording 11 assists in 49 games during his rookie campaign in 2009-10.

Nolan Zajac is the youngest of four hockey-playing brothers and the only defenseman among the family. The oldest, Travis, completed his fifth season with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. Darcy spent this season in the Devils system, playing 40 games for their AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils. Kelly recently completed his junior season at Union College.

Zajac will join RoughRiders teammate Josiah Didier, who is also committed to the University of Denver. Seven other players who played in the USHL during the 2010-11 season are also committed to play hockey at the school; Garrett Allen (Chicago Steel), Matt Tabrum (Omaha Lancers), Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls Stampede), Zac Larraza (Team USA), Dakota Mermis (Team USA), Matt Van Voorhis (Team USA), and Scott Mayfield (Youngstown Phantoms).

The University of Denver Pioneers is a member of the WCHA and had 12 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Nate Dewhurst (Des Moines Buccaneers), Matt Donovan (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Chris Knowlton (Des Moines Buccaneers), John Lee (Waterloo Black Hawks), Anthony Maiani (Sioux City Musketeers), David Makowski (Green Bay Gamblers), Jesse Martin (Tri-City Storm), Jarrod Mermis (Lincoln Stars/Sioux City Musketeers), Paul Phillips (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), John Ryder (Ohio Junior Blue Jackets), Nick Shore (Team USA), and Jason Zucker (Team USA).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)