Finding a Way
Perseverance and determination perfectly describe Zach Alchorn’s journey in the game of hockey.
Alchorn’s road to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has been long and winding, but the gritty skilled forward has made the most of his situation and is finding his way in junior hockey.
Alchorn was passed over at fifteen in his draft year and didn’t let that disappointment derail his future plans in the game. (Photo Credit Ron Ward)
The skilled two-way forward returned to the Midget AAA ranks on a mission to improve. “Not being drafted, kind of told me I had to work a lot harder and just don’t give up,” Alchorn said during a Rogers TV interview.
“I just went back and played another year of Midget tried my absolute hardest and it kind of work out in the end,” Alchorn added.
Hard work and passion for the game continues to fuel Alchorn’s progression in the game.
“Zach is a great kid, with a good attitude who showed up to get better everyday. Zach skates well, has a great shot, but he worked very hard,” said Saint John Vito's Head Coach Randy Jones of Alchorn’s time with the Vito’s program.
"Zach was very reliable leader on and off the ice and was one of our top players down the stretch and into the playoffs,” said the former NHL’er.
In 34 games with the Vito’s last season Alchorn had 24 goals and added 23 assists. The native of Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick finished 3rd in the NB/PEI Major Midget AAA Hockey League scoring. (Photo Credit Jessie Smith)
Alchorn’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed, the second year forward started to catch the eye of scouts both in the Maritime Hockey League and QMJHL.
The gritty two-way winger was selected by the ?Moncton Wildcats in the 10th round in 2018 QMJHL draft.
“Zach is a great example of perseverance,” said Wildcats Assistant Director of Hockey Operations Ritchie Thibeau.
The St. Stephen Aces also thought Alchorn was a special player selecting him 1st overall in the 2018 Maritime Hockey League Entry Draft.
Alchorn has made the jump to junior hockey look seamless. In 36 games with the Aces the smooth skating forward has amassed 11 goals and 12 assists. (Photo Credit Nathan Delong)
Alchorn continues to value his time in the MHL and believes it has prepared him for the jump to the ‘Q’. “It’s really important playing against bigger stronger players and getting used to that sort of hockey,” said Alchorn.
“From being passed over in the draft to being selected late, to now playing in the QMJHL and finding a way to contribute, Zach has a passion for hockey that you love to see,” explained Thibeau.
Alchorn scored his first QMJHL goal last week in a 4-0 victory over the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
“It’s always a great feeling to get that first one out the way, it’s great coming up and playing with these guys and trying to doing my best to fit in,” said the soft-spoken rookie forward.
Alchorn has climbed the Wildcats prospects depth chart and has been called up several times this season. In seven games with the Wildcats, the seventeen-year-old winger has a goal and one assist.
From a far those numbers don’t jump off the page, but Alchorn’s character and ability to play up and down the line up is very noteworthy.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that once the Aces’ season is over to see the rookie forward join the Wildcats full time for the remainder of the regular and post season.
There’s no guarantees in the game of hockey, Zach Alchorn would be the first to tell you that. Nevertheless, from being passed over to having success in the MHL to the QMJHL, Zach Alchorn has used the adversity he’s faced along the way to drive his passion for the game and claw his way to the next level.
Yours in hockey, Craig