NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – North Iowa Bulls forward Zachary Simon is making a real impression as he begins his senior year of high school.
The impression that he leaves with those who watch him play is that there isn’t a level of the sport where he can’t succeed.
He’s certainly met expectations with the Bulls, and then some. Now, the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League are giving Simon a chance, calling up the Orono, Minnesota native on Thursday.
According to North Iowa Bulls head coach Todd Sanden, Simon will not be in uniform this weekend while he travels down to Texas, and he will join the Brahmas on Sunday ahead of a home weekend against the Shreveport Mudbugs. Simon is still expected to return to Minnesota as the high school season officially kicks off on Monday, November 11.
“Knowing that he’s going to get down there and practice, and show them what kind of player he is, we’re certainly excited about that,” said Sanden. “Zach’s been great for us here in the 13 games that he’s played for us.”
Simon played before and after his high school season last year with the Bulls as well, appearing in 14 regular-season games and tallying four points. This season, Simon has stepped things up a notch, posting six goals and six assists over those 13 appearances. He started the season with eight points over the team’s first four games, including the game-winning goal in a win over Peoria in September.
His high school resume is nothing short of impressive, either. Simon racked up 29 points in leading Orono High School to its first-ever Minnesota state title in 2018, and he was the Spartans’ leading scorer as a junior last year with 49 points.
“I’m very excited for this great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to proving myself at the next level,” said Simon. “The time with the Bulls has been rewarding on and off the ice, and I’m ready to take what I’ve learned to Lone Star.”
He’ll suit up for a team virtually assured of a top-two spot in the South Division standings, as the Brahmas square off with Topeka this weekend for the division lead. Shreveport currently sits in third in the South, and will visit the Metroplex next weekend while Simon is in town.
“It’s in transition right now, so we don’t know if he’s going to play games or not, but I would have some expectation that he’s probably going to play a game or two with them,” said Sanden. “Being a captain and a leader at Orono High School, we expect him to do a very good job there, too. We look forward to him coming back at the end of the season and hopefully jumping in late and picking up where he left off.”
Simon is the second North Iowa player to be called up to the NAHL this season, after a big opening weekend landed Dalton Saltness a spot on the Bismarck Bobcats roster. More than 30 Bulls players have gone on to appear in the NAHL, and eight of those players would later suit up for NCAA Division I teams.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Zachary Simon on his North American Hockey League call-up, and wish him the best in his upcoming opportunities with the Lone Star Brahmas and Orono High School.