Chapter 10: Nicholas Zaharias

Nicholas Zaharias is a long way from home.

1,000 miles separate his hometown of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Dauphin. He talks to his family every day as he chases his hockey dreams. The 20-year-old made the team out of training camp and has been a regular on the scoresheet to start the season.

One of the hardest-working players on the ice both in practice and games, Zaharias leads by example. He is relentless on the puck and very happy to be in Dauphin.

"Yeah, I have to say, it's been great here. It's great hockey, fast, and physical," said Zaharias. "I'm really enjoying Dauphin, I have awesome billets, it's a great place to be."

Nicholas played with the Connecticut Junior Rangers in the NCDC last year. It was his first junior season. He posted 10 goals and eight assists in 51 games, with 22 penalty minutes. This year, in his final season as a junior player, Zaharias has been putting on a show for the fans.

In 15 games, Nicholas is averaging a point per game. He has five goals and 15 points in 15 games. Only Madden Murray (16) and Havryil Simchuk (16) have scored more for the Kings this season. Zaharias didn't wait long to help his new team win. In a big victory on the second night of the season against Swan Valley, Zaharias scored his first Manitoba Junior Hockey League goal and finished the game with three points.

Six days later, Zaharias scored again and finished with two points against Neepawa. Over the weekend against Steinbach, Zaharias recorded his first multi-goal game of the season.

Nicholas is just outside the top 20 in league scoring.

"Yeah, I'm pretty happy with my start," he said. "With that said, I have to continue going. I need to continue producing, that's what it's all about."

Nicholas credits his hot start to his offseason and all the work he put in. He adds that his great linemates are helping him.

The Kings are back in action twice this weekend in a home-and-home against the Portage Terriers. On Friday, the two teams will meet at Stride Place. You can hear that game on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff.

Then on Sunday afternoon, the Kings host the Terriers at Credit Union Place. Despite two tough losses over the weekend, Dauphin still is atop the MGEU West Division with a record of 10-4-1. The team has 63 goals and has only allowed 33. That's tied for the fewest in the MJHL.

"I think we have a great culture here. I love the guys," commented Zaharias. "We are right there with all of the best teams in the league. I'm excited for the rest of the regular season, and hopefully, the playoffs."

Focused on the now, Zaharias does plan to go to school next year, south of the border. His ultimate dream is to play NCAA Division 1 hockey, and he says he has begun talking to schools at different levels. Fuelled by a passion for the game and the desire to make his family proud, Zaharias says he shows up to the rink with a smile on his face every day.

"Yeah, absolutely. You have to have a purpose, a reason why you're doing things," continued Zaharias.

Stay tuned to hear Nicholas' full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon at 4:00.

Get To Know Zaharias: 

What are your hobbies?  I like to fish and golf.

Do you have any hidden talents that not many people know about?  I'm really good at math.

What's your favourite arena that you've ever played in?  When I was playing peewee hockey, I played a game on the same ice that the NCAA Division 1 Notre Dame team plays, which was incredible.

What's your favourite hockey memory?  Playing in the championship game on the Notre Dame ice. I scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?  Yeah, I have quite a few. I always have to use white tape, and I have the same warm-up every game. Every piece of equipment has to go on from left to right. I always have to be the last one out of the locker room.

Nicholas is a triplet. He has two siblings his age. His brother C.J. plays Junior A with the Soo Eagles in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League; his sister, Gracie, studies at the University of South Carolina. Nicholas has one other brother who plays U18 hockey.

Zaharias said his siblings mean the world to him and he's always trying to make them and his parents proud.

"Yeah, absolutely. They have sacrificed a lot for me to be here," ended Zaharias. "Driving me to practice and coming to games. I definitely want to make all their sacrifices worth it."