Will The Thrill

Offensive production is nothing new for Will Zellers. The Maple Grove product put up 111 points last season at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and had it not been for a late-season shoulder injury, he likely would’ve added more in the USHL.

Despite not seeing any USHL action last spring, Zellers previously scored in his USHL debut – April 11, 2023 – and came into this season averaging a goal-per-game with the Green Bay Gamblers.

While it’s a pace that seems unsustainable over a full season, Zellers is flirting with exactly that through 36 games.

“I didn’t really know what to expect with it being my first full year here, but I came in with an open mind and just wanted to produce for my team and help us win hockey games,” Zellers said. “So it’s gone pretty well, individually and as a team, and I’m having a ton of fun so far.”

Pretty well is an understatement for Zellers, as the North Dakota commit leads the USHL with 32 goals and his 52 points rank third.

Zellers – a third-round pick (2024) of the Colorado Avalanche – hasn’t gone more than two consecutive games without a point and has 16 multi-point efforts. He’s also coming off a six-point (3-3-6) week and leads the league with six game-winning tallies.

After missing Green Bay’s first four games in September, he returned on Oct. 4, scoring three goals over his first two games. He’s continued producing from there.

“In the beginning it was pretty tough and it’s a big jump from the U18 level to the USHL, and obviously I was still coming back from my injury too,” Zellers said. “You get a lot less time and space with the puck and in the corner, and the guys are faster, stronger and more mature. So you have to adjust to that and be at your best every shift. But I think I’ve been able to adjust pretty well.”

It’s no secret the fast start helped Zellers’ confidence and it’s continued to grow. He’s been a factor every night for the Gamblers, even going back to his debut.

Green Bay’s staff has always liked his offensive instincts and competitiveness – which led them to select him in the 2022 USHL Phase I Draft.

He’s flashed both of those traits this season and as each game goes by, he only makes that pick look better.

“You look at his numbers and what he’s doing from an offensive standpoint, and honestly, it’s incredible,” said Green Bay head coach Pat McCadden. “Coming into this season he was no-contact in training camp and he missed the first four games as he was still coming back from his injury, and we didn’t know what to expect right away. But he scored three goals in the first two games and he’s never looked back. He’s just an unbelievably talented player.”

Will Zellers had 160 points (76-84-160) over 91 U18 games at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and that production has followed him to the USHL this season. “I think I’m at my best when I’m using my skating and speed to drive the play and be on top of the defense,” he said. “I like to shoot the puck and I’d consider myself a shot-first guy, so my game really feeds off that and I try to be the first person on the puck and have the puck on my stick.” (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Gamblers)

Taking Steps
Zellers will be the first to admit his game is far from a finished product, and he’s especially prioritized his play away from the puck – which he still wants to improve before making the jump to college.

McCadden and assistant coach Mason Baptista both praised Zellers for his growth this season, citing his work ethic and coachability. He’s a natural goal scorer and thrives in the offensive zone, but he’s also taken pride in his play defensively.

“I think the most impressive part of Will’s game is how competitive he is,” McCadden said. “He wants to score so bad and he’s always willing to work for it, and at times he just wills the puck into the net. And I think that bleeds into his overall game.

“We’ve seen him play more of an effective, hard defensive game and he stays on pucks, and he’s improved in all three zones. So I think that’s helped him create more offense as well.”

Both coaches want to see him continue killing plays defensively and use his skating to his advantage, especially as a winger.

At the same time, Zellers’ game has plenty to like. Whether that’s his ability to read goalies, go to the net, win 1-on-1 battles, or choose the right play with the puck on his stick – which Baptista added sets Zellers apart.

“You look at his body of work from where he started this season to now, and it’s impressive. But it’s also not surprising when you see him work every day,” Baptista said. “He had the injury and didn’t get to start on time like everyone else, and you figured it would take some time. But he was able to get past it and move forward right away, and he’s really found his game.

“I think we’ve seen him consistently create chances and opportunities, and he’s learning how to adapt his game too. Regardless of the coverage he’s getting from other teams, he’s continued to produce, and that’s really a sign of a special player.”

Will Zellers and Aidan Park were teammates at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and developed plenty of chemistry, which has followed them to Green Bay. “I think Will’s game has skyrocketed over the last few years and he’s improved a ton, and he’s having an unbelievable year,” Park said. “He’s super competitive and a really good hockey player, but he’s also a really supportive friend and is always there for you, and he’s someone that’s just fun to be around.” (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Gamblers)

Bright Future Ahead
Zellers immediate focus is on this season. He wants to help Green Bay hoist the Clark Cup and develop his game, both on and off the ice.

However, he’s certainly looking forward to his future in Grand Forks. His parents, Kim and Kurt, grew up in North Dakota and went to UND, and Zellers attended a number of games at Ralph Engelstad Arena as a kid.

He grew up idolizing Zach Parise and later Brock Boeser, and his dog is even named after the latter. Zellers quipped he needed two more dogs so he could have his own CBS line, in honor of UND’s Drake Caggiula–Boeser–Nick Schmaltz combination.

Zellers initially committed to Boston University at 16 years old but had a change of heart, and he decided between Minnesota and North Dakota. The final decision was an easy one.

“It was a pretty fulfilling decision,” Zellers said. “Growing up as a kid and going to games at The Ralph, and now being able to play there this coming fall myself, it’s surreal. I know everyone in my family is really looking forward to it.”

Will Zellers’ dream school has always been North Dakota, where he will play next fall. He remembers first putting on skates around age 2 and joked that he learned how to skate before he could walk. He grew up skating on an outdoor rink every winter and has been obsessed with the sport since he was 5. (Photo courtesy of the Zellers Family)

So are those closest to him in Green Bay.

“I think he’s going to go into North Dakota and score right away, and he’s an extremely gifted offensive player,” McCadden said. “I know they’re excited to get him, and they should be, and I think he has the ability to do a lot of the same things he’s done for us this year. So I’m really excited for his college career and he certainly has the talent and ability to play professionally. I’m very excited for the kid’s future.”

Whatever that future holds there’s one thing Zellers plans to continue doing: Working. It’s what’s got him to this point and led to his success this winter.

“When I was little I was never on the Squirt A or AA team or the Peewee AA team, and I was always on the B teams, so I was never one of the top kids in my age group. But I think my path has made where I am today a lot more satisfying and helped my development,” Zellers said. “I’ve had to work a little bit harder and earn everything, and I’ve always been able to go back to those foundations. But that’s something I can take with me forever.”