VARSITY GOALTENDER NAMED TO U-17 Michael Zador, who just completed his first summer in the Elite Training Program at Varsity Hockey, is experiencing a lot of firsts this year. Zador, a goaltender, was drafted in the first round of the OHL draft, 20 overall, in the May of 2007. An untimely injury limited Zador’s ability to step up immediately and win the starting role in training camp. The spot had been vacated by Steve Mason, who later returned from the Columbus Blue Jackets to reclaim his post. There was some speculation that Columbus would keep Mason this year. A third round draft pick from 2006, Mason had an impressive NHL training camp, but with the emergence of Pascal Leclaire, the Blue Jackets now have the luxury of giving Mason more time to mature in the OHL.
For Zador, the injury, combined with Mason’s return, meant playing for London’s affiliate in Petrolia, where only two years previous Mason himself had been the starter for the Jets. Despite the setback, Zador’s star continues to rise. The 6’1”, 175 pound 16-year-old was recently named to Team Ontario, which will compete at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The tournament will be held in and around London, ON from December 29, 2007 to January 4, 2008 and should give local fans a chance to see the heir to the Knights’ goaltending throne at the top of his game. The tournament is also closely monitored by NHL clubs.
Fellow Varsity Elite Program member Chris Terry has been there. An alumnus of Ontario’s U-17 team, Terry, who plays for the Plymouth Whalers, was drafted in the fifth round by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007. It was his ability to excel in tournaments such as the World U-17 Championship and the Memorial Cup that led to Terry’s eventual selection. The potential for Zador to follow a similar path exists. The OHL central scouting report calls him a “very efficient, butterfly style goaltender that has played consistently this season. He plays with composure and control. He keeps his movement in the net to a minimum, while always being ready and square to the puck. He challenges shooters very effectively and recovers well for any second opportunities. He seems to be able to make the big save when called upon.” While Zador knows that past success doesn’t necessarily guarantee success in the future, he is surrounded by athletes that have been through the ups and downs that he is experiencing for the first time this year. During the season, he has Mason to learn from, and when summer comes around, Zador can rely on the other members of Varsity’s Elite Program, something Chris Terry knows all about:
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