Zack recently endeared himself to the Ice Wolves faithful when he dropped the gloves 15 seconds into game 1 of the South Division Quarterfinals and set the tone for the series. “Honestly, I’ve been asking guys to go since I got here and nobody wanted to go, so it was about time. I box in the summer so it’s something I just like to do.” Zhang said, “I’ve been practicing with Toivo Laaksonen, I like to surprise guys. They think I’m a righty, so they’ll grab my right shoulder and I’ll switch up and throw with my left, they don’t expect it.”
Head Coach Kevin Hartzell says former teammates helped recruit Zack and he was as surprised as anybody that Zhang could fight. “Francois De Villiers gave us a heads up that he was someone who would fit in with our group. Zack wasn’t happy in Maine so we brought him in here.” Hartzell continued, “He started the series off amazingly with that fight. I had no idea he was such a good fighter, but holy cow can that kid throw. He knew what he was doing, most of us who get into hockey fights we just hold on and throw wild. I did not even know he could fight. People will usually ask ‘whats your team going to look like’ and I’ll say I don’t know what’s going to happen when the puck drops and there’s another example, I didn’t see it coming.”
One of Zack’s influences growing up truly is a polarizing figure, “I really like Brad Marchand, the way he gets under people’s skin, he’s not super big but he does have skill. I also like Tyler Bertuzzi, I love the way he works.” Zhang said, “My Dad is my inspiration, I look up to him and he gives me great advice all the time.”
Having a familiar face always helps transitioning to a new environment, Zack’s experience was no different, “I was in Maine and Francois hit me up and thought I would be a perfect fit on this team so I felt why not. They are such a great group of guys, they welcomed me in with open arms.” Zhang continued, “We also have such an unbelievable fanbase, truly unbelievable. It’s not a big bowl like Maine was, but they pack it and they’re so loud and supportive. It’s so amazing to be in this position to inspire the little kids as well.”
The Ice Wolves knocked off the El Paso Rhinos in the Quarterfinals 2 games to 1. They move on to face the Lonestar Brahmas in the Best of 5 Conference Semifinals. Games 1 and 2 are this Friday and Saturday in North Richland Hills, TX. Game 3 and if necessary Game 5 will be at the Outpost will be April 24th and 25th. Tickets are available on the team website and all games are available on NATV.
Photo Credit Scott Adamson
