Surplus of pluses

When you look at the statistics for the Spokane Chiefs, it jumps off the page.

In the team’s plus-minus ratings, defenseman Sean Zimmerman is the team leader – by far.

Zimmerman is plus-10 in that category, which puts him among the Western Hockey League leaders (tied for 19th).

The statistic is one of the most telling in hockey, especially for defensive players. D-men can’t be judged solely by offensive statistics such as goals and assists, so it’s an indicator of their overall contribution to the team while on the ice.

But watching a game in person tells more about Zimmerman’s importance.

He is often called upon during key situations, such as the power play and the penalty kill, and is rarely out of position on any given shift. He has also added a gritty edge to his game in a season in which he’s come fully of age as a leader on the team, even wearing an “A” when some of the leaders were out with injuries.

The 19-year-old is in his fourth season with the Chiefs and the 6-foot-2, 209-pounder has always been a steady presence on the blue line. Over the past three 72-game seasons, he’s played in 67, 71, and 72 games, respectively.

Zimmerman was the team’s defensive player of the year last season and signed a pro contract last summer with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League.

Now he has another honor on his resume: U.S. national team member.

USA Hockey named him Tuesday to the national junior (under-20) team. He will join the likes of rising American stars such as Everett’s Peter Mueller and collegiate standout Jack Johnson at the world championships in Sweden from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5.

Many close to Zimmerman say it is a well-deserved honor.

“I’m really pleased for Sean,” Chiefs coach Bill Peters said. “He’s worked hard to improve himself this past off-season.

“You only get one shot at the World Juniors and I’m sure he’s going to represent himself well, represent his country well and represent the Spokane Chiefs well.”

For his part, the modest Colorado native – who calls Spokane home – said he was a little surprised to make the team.

“I’ve tried out for U.S. teams before and never made it,” said Zimmerman. “It was just a different experience back there. I was uncomfortable the whole time, but obviously it’s a great opportunity.”

Zimmerman apparently impressed USA Hockey officials sufficiently in August at the team’s training camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., scoring a goal in the first exhibition game. He said he’s humbled by the selection.

“To represent your country like that – not many people get to experience that, so I’m pretty excited about it,” Zimmerman said. “It has always been my goal, but now that it’s starting to happen it’s unbelievable.”

The Chiefs celebrate their players earning such distinctions, but will also have to deal with missing a key player for one-half dozen games or so. Zimmerman will take off for the USA camp Dec. 17 and miss a stretch games over the holidays.

“We’ve got great defensemen here, so it won’t be too tough,” said Zimmerman.