Fast Track Zach
Center, 5-10/175, Faribault, Minnesota
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North Dakota (WCHA)
2002-03 Stats: 22-18-29-47-20
CS Midterm Ranking: 11
The one thing Zach Parise doesn't look like is a rookie. It was evident from
his first shift that the North Dakota Fighting Sioux had landed a unique talent,
capable of creating things that some players never achieve at the college level.
The son of 14-year NHL veteran J-P Parise, Zach is not only blessed with great
hands and vision, but he is also one of those rare individuals who can elevate
the play of those around them, the most notably example being linemate Brandon
Bochenski, currently the nation's leading goal-scorer with 28.
Heavily recruited out of Shattuck-St. Mary's, where he teamed with BC freshman
Patrick Eaves, Parise instantly established himself as an impact freshman, becoming
just the second NCAA player in history to notch a hat trick in his debut, while
adding 18 points in his first five games. He also proved himself on the international
stage with an inspired performance at the 2003 World Junior Championship in
Halifax, leading Team USA with eight points in seven games.
But, despite the achievements, Parise was rated just 11th on Central Scouting's
mid-term list of North American players, a ranking that is more a reflection
of his lack of size (5-10, 175) than his abundant gifts. Some obviously still
feel that Zach won't be able to withstand the physical abuse at the pro level,
but we don't see his stature being a major obstacle. Once he fully matures physically,
he should play around 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, which is larger than Neal Broten,
the NHLer whose style Parise has been frequently compared to.
Parise's overall game has continued to progress each week, and we see him potentially
climbing into the top five of this June's NHL draft. It is also not beyond the
realm of possibility to see him get some consideration for the first-overall
pick, especially if he can deliver a gem at the Frozen Four.
McKeen's Scouting Report on Zach
Parise