Amidst the flurry of skates on ice and the echoes of sticks clashing, one young athlete has found a home on Oakville Ranger ice. Jack Zborowski of the Oakville Rangers U12 AA Red team has practically grown up with a hockey stick in hand since the age of four.
From the early days of house league to the competitive A circuit and now firmly entrenched in the AA ranks, his journey has been marked by dedication and undeniable talent.
Inspired by NHL greats like prime Frederick Andersen, Zborowski was drawn to the artistry of goaltending from a young age. "Almost every time there was an NHL game on, I would just watch it and I fell in love with watching goalies make all different kinds of saves," he shared. This passion fueled his ambition to stand tall between the pipes and emulate his heroes on the ice.
His breakout moment this season came during the International Silver Stick tournament, where his standout performance helped bring his team to the qualifiers. Zborowski's dominance in the tournament's skills competition left an indelible mark, showcasing his agility, reflexes, and natural focus.
In preparation for each game, Zborowski likes to keep his routine calm and cool. A collective team warm-up sets the stage and gets the morale buzzing, followed by reflex-honing wall ball exercises, often with the assistance of his goaltending partner. It's a routine that reflects his commitment to excellence which is reflected in his team's collective success as they sit in the top 10 ranks in Ontario with over 40 wins so far.
When asked about his playing style, Zborowski modestly notes that he doesn't model his game after any specific goalie but admits to occasionally playing deeper in the net than most, a habit he's trying to refine with each game.
But it's not just his saves that catch the eye. Zborowski's choice of jersey number sets him apart on the ice. "Lately I've been seeing lots of 74s, so I figured going one number lower and no one having that number is a good thing," he explained. "If I ever do make the NHL, which I'm hoping I do, then if they say something about number 73 - they'll think 'Jack Zborowski'."
This unique number is a testament to Zborowski's individuality and a statement of determination to carve out his own path in the world of hockey. It's also a number that he wears with pride.
For any goalies who might find themselves in a slump, Zborowski offers some solid advice: “Try working with someone playing at a higher level than you,” he said. “Just feel those shots, that’s what happened to me, whether it’s an older team or a higher level, the shots are harder so it’ll be easier for you when you return.”
Meanwhile, his father, Chris, discussed the importance of unconditional support and encouragement, especially during rough patches. “Sometimes you have to disconnect yourself from the game itself and connect yourself with your kid,” Chris said. “Because it is tough, and there’s games where they might not shine like you expect them to but you’ve got to be there for them and you’ve got to support them no matter what.”