Castlegar's Patrick Zubick named as year's top goalie by SIJHL
By Kyra Hoggan
The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Wednesday that Castlegar’s Patrick Zubick, now with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs, has been named the SIJHL’s top goaltender for the 2016-17 season.
“Zubick garnered the laurels over fellow top goaltender award finalists Michael Lenko of the English River Miners and Ryan Buttazzoni of the Thief River Falls Norskies in balloting conducted by each of the SIJHL’s member clubs,” said a press release issued this week. “In 29 appearances during the campaign, the 20-year-old Castlegar product posted a solid 21-4-3-0 record and led all SIJHL netminders in both goals-against average and save percentage at 2.30 and .931 respectively. He also registered one shutout.
“His 21 victories was just one off the league lead and he went 11-2-1-0 since January 1, including winning his last six starts. Zubick becomes the first netminder in Dryden team history to win this award and joins the likes of current St. Louis Blues NHL goalkeeper Carter Hutton as a winner of this honour.”
Meanwhile, back home in Castlegar, parents Kathleen and Brad Zubick said they’re delighted with their accomplished young man.
“(Patrick) started hockey in Grade 3, when he was 10, which was late, compared to everyone else,” Kathleen said. “He worked hard and saved his own money to buy his own goalie gear.
“By the time he was 14, he was filling in at games for the Rebels, the Saints and the Smoke Eaters. It’s pretty amazing – the dedication, and the sacrifices he has made as a young person – I sure couldn’t have done that at his age.”
Patrick even missed his own grad banquet because he had a hockey game that night – and it’s paying off now, as he’s already receiving offers during his final year of junior hockey.
“His plan is to go to college or university and play hockey there,” Kathleen said. “He’s had some offers from the US, but his hope is to continue playing Canada.
“We just couldn’t be more proud.”
