Rylee Zimmer was simply one of the best scorers on any Jr. hockey team he was on and league-wide for that matter, and now he's being rewarded for it.
The Russell native has committed to play for the York Lions who play in the Ontario University Athletics Conference.
"I'm very excited," said Zimmer. "It's going to be a huge step for me not only in my hockey career but in life as well because I'll be going to school. I'm really excited for this chance."
Committing to play hockey at the next level really comes as no surprise as Zimmer tore it up anywhere he went during his days as a junior hockey player.
After being sent down by the Regina Pats, Zimmer played for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for 48 games and recorded 48 points.
Then he switched over to the SJHL and put up another 81 points in 79 games with the Flin Flon Bombers, and was a big reason the team made it to the Canalta Cup Final in back-to-back years.
After playing two games with the Melville Millionaires, Zimmer headed back to the MJHL and was extremely efficient in his 16 games with the Portage Terriers scoring another 17 points. Finally, Zimmer was traded to the Virden Oil Capitals, and once again he was a big reason a team made the league finals. He had 31 points (16 G), in 27 games in the regular season, and added 15 more points in 15 playoff games as the team fell short against the Pistons in the final.
Add it all up and Zimmer recorded 177 points in 172 games between the SJHL and MJHL. And, if that's not deserving of a chance at playing at the next level, I don't know what is.
"I think a big part of my success was my work ethic, and compete to win," said Zimmer. "I love to win, and give it everything I have."
"I just have to play my game, and use my speed when I'm with York," said Zimmer. "They play on Olympic size ice, and the coach out there figures my speed will allow me to jump into the league and succeed right away. I just need to work hard, be in the right spots and give it everything I have."
The 21-year-old will continue to skate throughout the summer and workout, for what he expects to be a big transition from Jr. to university hockey.
"It's like anything really like from Peewee to Bantam, Bantam to Midget, then Midget to Junior," said Zimmer. "It's definitely a huge step up. It's not teenagers anymore, it's full-on men. It'll be faster and stronger. But, in saying that, I think I'm ready to make the step."
Last year, the Lions lost the OUA Bronze Medal game to Concordia.
