Chiefs can count on Zimmerman
When you think of the Spokane Chiefs’ toughest players, defenseman Sean Zimmerman may not be the first name that comes to mind.
Not that the rugged defenseman can’t hold his own physically on the ice. It’s just that the average fan measures toughness by the amount of fighting that a player does – which usually reflects in high penalty-minute totals. That’s not “Zim’s” game.
But make no mistake – Zimmerman is tough. Another stat reveals it: games played.
Since his rookie season of 2003-04, Zimmerman has played in all but six games over three seasons. This season, he’s played in all 69 of his team’s games. Over the course of a demanding 72-game Western Hockey League schedule, that says a lot.
“You just need to keep it simple – not doing anything special or flashy, playing greasy, getting the job done,” said Zimmerman.
He has done exactly that in his time with the Chiefs, beginning with his team Rookie of the Year campaign after moving up from the Spokane Braves.
“I remember telling him at the start of our 16-year-old season that we were going to end up sharing minutes,” said fellow blue-liner Jason Lynch. “Then by Christmas, he’s starting and ended up being one of our top four defensemen.”
Since that time, every aspect of Zim’s game has grown as steadily and quietly as his soft-spoken personality.
“My first year, I really didn’t say anything,” said Zimmerman. “I got out of my shell when I was 17. Being with the guys all the time you just get more comfortable with them. … This season I’ve tried to be a little more vocal, but I tried to lead with my play on the ice.”
Another stat shows that he is successful at that: his plus/minus rating has been in the plus every season.
“He’s a great player to have in the room – fantastic player to have on the ice,” said Lynch. “I think last summer, with him getting drafted, really gave him a confidence booster.”
Zimmerman was drafted by the New Jersey Devils last summer and came back from the National Hockey League camp with a renewed sense of his place. After holding his own against bigger, stronger players, he knows he can play against anyone.
“You come back and everything seems a little bit slower, I guess,” said Zimmerman, 18, who stands 6-foot-2, 208 pounds. “So, you just feel more comfortable out there.”
The Colorado native is known for his outstanding positional play and the ability to stand up scoring threats as they enter the defensive zone. Just as important, when he makes a rare slip-up he is often the first back to cover the play.
“I think if you make a mistake, you owe it to your team to do whatever you can to make up for it,” said Zimmerman.
Ice chips
Defenseman Evan Haw sustained a concussion in Saturday’s game with Tri-Cities and is questionable for the team’s remaining three games. … Rookie defenseman Michael Reddington has been called up after his junior team completed its season.