Aiden Ziprick was back with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines this season for his second year with the club. He started last season as a 15-year-old and was very impressive with 12 points in 33 games. This year, the now 17-year-old was handed an elevated role and he took his game to the next level.
In 23 games, the 6'1" product of Russell scored six times while adding six assists. His great play earned him a spot on Team U18 Black for the MJHL Top Prospects Showcase. His play at that event saw the 16-year-old garner some heavy interest from a number of top Division 1 programs. At the same time, the Lethbridge Hurricanes -- who drafted Aiden 148th overall in the 2020 Draft -- were also showing interest and ultimately, Aiden chose to join the team that drafted him.
Then late last week, Ziprick officially signed his first Standard Player Agreement with Lethbridge and he joined the team over the weekend on a U.S. road trip. Ziprick grew up wanting to play in the Western Hockey League and the amount of work that he has put in over the years is incredible, so to see his dream come true is a very special feeling.
"It's an honour, this has been my dream since I was just a little kid," said Ziprick. "It was a huge decision to make. With that said, I believe it was the best decision for me and it worked out well."
It took Ziprick two weeks of thinking to come to his final decision. Ziprick then made his WHL debut last Friday at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington, as the 'Canes went up against Tri-City. The game resulted in a 4-2 loss for Lethbridge, but it was still a game that Ziprick won't ever forget.
"Walking onto the ice for the first time was very eye-opening," said Ziprick. "I felt very accomplished knowing that I finally made it. The night was very special for my family and me."
The team would rebound the next night in a 3-0 win against the Spokane Chiefs. The game was played in front of just more than 8800 fans at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and the win was Ziprick's first as a member of his new team.
"That was one of the coolest games I have ever played in," said Ziprick. "That was definitely the most fans that I have ever played in front of and I'm glad that we were able to come out with two points."
Aiden followed that up by posting the best game of his young WHL career on Tuesday night as Lethbridge hammered Swift Current, 7-2. Ziprick finished with a plus-3 rating which was tied for the best on the team. Joining Lethbridge was also a reunion of sorts for Ziprick. Tyson Zimmer was acquired by the 'Canes in a trade with Brandon earlier this year. The pair grew up together and played hockey for several years before going their separate ways.
"It's awesome playing with Tyson, he's a great guy," said Zimmer. "To be back playing with him is really fun. It's also great to see two small-town kids following their dreams and getting the chance to play at a high level together. It's great to be with him and I'm looking forward to continuing to play with him."
To note, Zimmer is on fire as of late. He has points in nine straight games with Lethbridge and he scored twice on Tuesday in the team's win. He now has eight goals and 14 assists in 27 games with Lethbridge. So with Aiden now joining Lethbridge, that means his time as a Wolverine has come to an end, but he will forever be grateful for the opportunity he was provided in Waywayseecappo and he will always be cheering for his hometown team.
"I loved it. Being able to live at home and play junior hockey, not everyone is able to do that," ended Ziprick. "I can't give enough credit to the coaches for all the work they have put in with us. It was such a special group and I wouldn't be where I am without them."
While Aiden and the rest of the club won't play Brandon again this season at Westoba Place, they will be in Regina to play the Pats on February 20.
