Zach Nastasiuk: Natural Born Leader
Follow
The fact that the Red Wings named Zach Nastasiuk an alternate captain says a lot for his leadership abilities. The 19 year-old was chosen ahead of several players who have more years of hockey experience because of his leadership ability and work ethic.
“We think he’s a natural leader,” Griffins Head Coach Jeff Blashill said. “He just has a quality about him that makes others follow him. It isn’t something you teach.”
Nastasiuk, who serves as team captain for Owen Sound of the OHL, was the only Red Wings alternate captain who played junior hockey last season.
“I take pride in my leadership and it is definitely an honor,” he said. “We have a lot of leaders on this team so to get that A is pretty special.”
The 6-foot-2, 196 pound forward had a strong season last year scoring 23 goals and 51 points while also playing a key defensive role for Owen sound. Nastasiuk ended the season by signing an amateur tryout contract with Grand Rapids and finished the season playing 13 AHL games (including 7 playoff games).
“Playing in Grand Rapids was a special experience,” he said. “Getting the experience of playing with the pro guys helps me get my feet wet. I have a better understanding of what is coming up for the future.”
One thing he doesn’t have to worry about is signing a pro contract. The Red Wings wasted no time last year, signing the 48th overall selection in the 2013 NHL draft to a three-year entry-level contract last fall.
” Of course I wanted to get a contract done as quick as possible,” Nastasiuk said. “So when the time came to get it done, I was really happy. Getting it signed early makes my life a little easier, but it doesn’t mean that I stop working. I have to keep working harder now.”
A key area of focus for Nastasiuk is improving his skating and adding more quickness which is something he’s focused on since being drafted. He’s hoping all the work and effort will payoff this season with a selection to Team Canada for the world junior championship tournament.
“I just need to play my game,” he said. “I am not the guy who is going to go end to end and toe drag the puck in. That isn’t why they would pick me, I just need to keep my game simple and be a reliable two-way forward. Hopefully my game fits a role for them because I would love the opportunity.”