07-06-2007, 12:08 AM
ADVERTISEMENT
Golembiewski to play for U.S. squad
By JIM WHYMER
Times Herald
It has been a whirlwind three months for Zach Golembiewski as far as his hockey career goes.
After winning a national title in April, the St. Clair resident was drafted by two elite leagues.
ADVERTISEMENT
The highlight came in the past week with an invitation to play on the United States National Team Development Program 17-and-under team.
Golembiewski, 16, jumped at the opportunity.
"My goal is to play (NCAA) Division 1 college hockey," he said. "Getting an education is what it's always been about.
"I'm so excited and looking forward to it."
The downside is moving away from home his final two years at St. Clair. He will enroll this summer at Ann Arbor Pioneer.
Golembiewski, who will live with a host family, will attend Pioneer five hours during the week and practice another five hours.
The development programs are based out of Ann Arbor.
The last area player to compete in the program was Jimmy Fraser of Fort Gratiot, who is a junior at Harvard University.
"This will really help my career," Golembiewski said. "It was the best opportunity I could get.
"It will be like starting college early - like two years early.
"My friends are happy and sad. They'll get a chance to see me play, but they'll also miss me around."
The 6-foot, 180-pound forward, along with goaltender Joe Rogers of Marysville, helped the Detroit Belle Tire Midget AAA minor squad capture the national title in Fraser.
Golembiewski was drafted in the fifth round of the Ontario Hockey League by the Plymouth Whalers. He also was selected by the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League.
By signing with an OHL team, players are not eligible to play collegiately. USHL players have the option of going on to college.
Golembiewski said he plans to make official visits to Michigan State University, Notre Dame, Miami (Ohio) and Western Michigan University.
Even though he will work out this summer, Golembiewski is taking a break from hockey.
"It's been a long 10 months and I'm a little worn out," he said. "It's time for some down time.
"I'm going to relax and spend time with my family and friends because I won't be seeing that much of them once I leave."
The down time consisted of a round of golf earlier this week with St. Clair grad Ryan Cyplik. Golembiewski fired a 69 at St. Clair River Country Club.
Golembiewski said he has to improve his strength and foot speed.
"The coaches said I will cut down my body fat and be up to around 200-205 (pounds) by the middle of this upcoming season," he said. "I lifted every day at high school, but this will be ... different.
"This program is about getting players bigger, faster and stronger. They want to get you ready to play at the next level."
Keith Golembiewski, Zach's father, said his son was flying under the radar before his performance at the nationals.
"The past three months have been crazy, like a rollercoaster ride," Keith Golembiewski said. "We talked after he was drafted by both Plymouth and Chicago about not giving up his college options.
"We hate to lose him at 16, but this is something he wants and something he has worked hard for. We're so proud of him."
Golembiewski to play for U.S. squad
By JIM WHYMER
Times Herald
It has been a whirlwind three months for Zach Golembiewski as far as his hockey career goes.
After winning a national title in April, the St. Clair resident was drafted by two elite leagues.
ADVERTISEMENT
The highlight came in the past week with an invitation to play on the United States National Team Development Program 17-and-under team.
Golembiewski, 16, jumped at the opportunity.
"My goal is to play (NCAA) Division 1 college hockey," he said. "Getting an education is what it's always been about.
"I'm so excited and looking forward to it."
The downside is moving away from home his final two years at St. Clair. He will enroll this summer at Ann Arbor Pioneer.
Golembiewski, who will live with a host family, will attend Pioneer five hours during the week and practice another five hours.
The development programs are based out of Ann Arbor.
The last area player to compete in the program was Jimmy Fraser of Fort Gratiot, who is a junior at Harvard University.
"This will really help my career," Golembiewski said. "It was the best opportunity I could get.
"It will be like starting college early - like two years early.
"My friends are happy and sad. They'll get a chance to see me play, but they'll also miss me around."
The 6-foot, 180-pound forward, along with goaltender Joe Rogers of Marysville, helped the Detroit Belle Tire Midget AAA minor squad capture the national title in Fraser.
Golembiewski was drafted in the fifth round of the Ontario Hockey League by the Plymouth Whalers. He also was selected by the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League.
By signing with an OHL team, players are not eligible to play collegiately. USHL players have the option of going on to college.
Golembiewski said he plans to make official visits to Michigan State University, Notre Dame, Miami (Ohio) and Western Michigan University.
Even though he will work out this summer, Golembiewski is taking a break from hockey.
"It's been a long 10 months and I'm a little worn out," he said. "It's time for some down time.
"I'm going to relax and spend time with my family and friends because I won't be seeing that much of them once I leave."
The down time consisted of a round of golf earlier this week with St. Clair grad Ryan Cyplik. Golembiewski fired a 69 at St. Clair River Country Club.
Golembiewski said he has to improve his strength and foot speed.
"The coaches said I will cut down my body fat and be up to around 200-205 (pounds) by the middle of this upcoming season," he said. "I lifted every day at high school, but this will be ... different.
"This program is about getting players bigger, faster and stronger. They want to get you ready to play at the next level."
Keith Golembiewski, Zach's father, said his son was flying under the radar before his performance at the nationals.
"The past three months have been crazy, like a rollercoaster ride," Keith Golembiewski said. "We talked after he was drafted by both Plymouth and Chicago about not giving up his college options.
"We hate to lose him at 16, but this is something he wants and something he has worked hard for. We're so proud of him."