Rising Up

Confidence is key.

And Cael Zimmerman is oozing with it right now.

The second-year Hitmen forward has taken massive strides since his rookie season in rounding out his game to become a responsible two-way forward.

“Having a year under my belt has been huge for me,” he said. “I have more confidence and patience with the puck and feel comfortable with every shift.

“I remember as a rookie I would get the puck and panic and just throw it away because you feel like you have guys all over you. Now I take that extra second to make a play and feel right at home playing in the league.”

Last year saw Zimmerman earn Hitmen Rookie of the Year honours for his strong first season. With 18 points (6G, 12A) and a prominent role on the penalty-kill, he didn’t look like a 16-year-old.

His sophomore season has seen him take on added responsibility. In addition to an expanded role on the PK, he’s been tasked with facing off against opponents top lines and has risen to the challenge.

“It feels good to have the coach’s trust but with trust you have to earn it,” Zimmerman said. “You can’t take it for granted and every time you are out on the ice you have to prove yourself and make the coaches give you that trust.

“We have a deep team and Hammie (Steve Hamilton) has said how much he loves our depth and it shows with him rolling all four lines. It’s given us the opportunity to grow, especially when we go up against the other team’s top lines. It’s something I take pride in trying to shut down them down.

During his time in the league, the centre has had his fair share of teammates he has leaned on for advice to help develop his game.

But there are two in particular that stick out in his mind.

“Jakob Stukel really took me under his wing and brought me along to adjust from the switch up of midget to the WHL last year,” he said. “He showed me how to carry myself and be professional, both on and off the ice. This year Mark Kastelic has been unbelievable. He leads by example and seeing him have the year he’s been having is awesome to see. He does so many little things right and that’s something I try to implement into my game.

“I’m always talking to him and he’s always open to helping not just me but everyone on the team to improve their game and that’s something you look for in a captain. To have him as a leader is something I feel very fortunate about.”

With 12 points (2G, 10A) already on the season, Zimmerman is on pace to surpass his numbers from a year ago but the Englefeld, Sask., product – first and foremost – is focused on the success of the team.

“Every day is different and it’s never easy but we work hard,” he said. “We come to practice trying to get better and on game days we are always out there to prove something.

“We’re such a tight knit group and it’s something that has made us stronger.”