UND Freshman Zellers Leads Charge to Frozen Four in Vegas

Will Zellers overcomes injury to power UND's quest for ninth NCAA hockey title

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:34am

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Will Zellers, a freshman hockey player at the University of North Dakota, has overcome a severe shoulder injury to lead his team to the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals in Las Vegas. Despite delaying surgery, Zellers scored four goals in the Tier-I 18U national championship game, including the game-tying and overtime-winning strikes. Now at UND, Zellers has continued his offensive dominance, ranking among the top freshman scorers in the NCAA. As UND prepares to face Wisconsin, Zellers returns to Vegas, a city that holds special memories for him from his junior hockey days.

Why it matters

Zellers' story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience in sports. His willingness to push through injury and lead his team to success at both the junior and collegiate levels has inspired his teammates and captivated hockey fans. As UND seeks its ninth NCAA national championship, Zellers' leadership and skill will be crucial in their quest.

The details

Despite a severe shoulder injury that required surgery, Zellers chose to delay the procedure and instead push his body to the limit in pursuit of a national championship with his junior team. This decision paid off, as Zellers scored four goals, including the game-tying and overtime-winning strikes, in the Tier-I 18U national championship game. Now at UND, Zellers has continued his offensive dominance, ranking among the top freshman scorers in the NCAA with 18 goals this season. Zellers credits his coaches at UND for helping him develop a more complete skill set, which will serve him well if he aspires to the NHL.

  • In the Tier-I 18U national championship game, Zellers scored four goals, including the game-tying and overtime-winning strikes.
  • As a freshman at UND, Zellers has scored 18 goals this season, placing him among the top freshman scorers in the NCAA.

The players

Will Zellers

A freshman hockey player at the University of North Dakota who has overcome a severe shoulder injury to lead his team to the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals in Las Vegas.

Tom Ward

The veteran coach at Zellers' former junior team, Shattuck-St. Mary's, who described Zellers as a 'rink rat' with a passion for the game that is infectious.

Dane Jackson

One of Zellers' coaches at UND who has helped him develop a more complete skill set.

Matt Smaby

One of Zellers' coaches at UND who has helped him develop a more complete skill set.

Dillon Simpson

One of Zellers' coaches at UND who has helped him develop a more complete skill set.

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What they’re saying

“Will Zellers is a 'rink rat,' a player who transforms on the ice, his eyes alight with a passion that is infectious.”

— Tom Ward, Veteran coach, Shattuck-St. Mary's

What’s next

As UND prepares for the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals against Wisconsin, Zellers returns to Las Vegas, a city that holds special memories for him. He hopes to add to his collection of Vegas memories, this time with UND, and contribute to the team's quest for their ninth NCAA national championship.

The takeaway

Zellers' story is a reminder that sports are about more than just wins and losses. It's about the human spirit, the ability to overcome adversity, and the power of a team united. His willingness to push through injury and lead his team to success at both the junior and collegiate levels has inspired his teammates and captivated hockey fans.