By Russ Cohen
Blake Zielinski is a talented 2026 NHL Draft hopeful. He should be a first-round pick. He came in hot from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup into his first USHL season with the Des Moines Buccaneers. His father, Joe, talked about his son’s gold-medal experience.
“We didn’t know what to expect, and we were extremely nervous to watch Blake on the international stage against the top 2008s in the world. Blake’s passion for hockey and his dedication to hard work in the off-season culminated in a remarkable performance. And to top it off, seeing the boys beat Canada and win the gold medal was unforgettable.”
Watching Blake at the USHL Fall Classic was a pleasure. There are so many ways that he can add to the team on every shift.
“Yeah, I think I put on around seven pounds or so. So, just from taking what happened last year, I just got bigger and stronger,” said Zielinski. “So anytime I was in the gym, I was just working hard. I was just really working on building more strength and getting my body weight up. So, I’m sitting around 190 here and now, feeling pretty good,” Zielinski acknowledged. “Yeah, I know for sure. I think that’s always one thing I can work on is taking face-offs.”
Zielinski can play center or wing. Up and down the lineup. Coaches like that.
“Yeah, I think my hockey IQ is my greatest strength. You know, it’s kind of hard to show that in certain ways,” Zielinski stated. “Certain types of skill and stuff, but just the way I think of the game, I think is a lot better than a couple other guys and I think that can really get me to the next step and then towards the NHL.”
According to In Stat, Zielinski has taken just two penalties this season and has drawn eight. He has gotten 30% defensive zone starts! He’s averaging just under a hit per game and has gotten 56% of his shots on net.
Zielinski will attend Providence College in 2027-28. He chose them because head coach Nate Leaman showed a high level of interest in him. So much so that he won over the player and his family.
It’s early but I have him as a late first round pick or early second rounder. Let’s see how his season develops.
