Rising star Simon Zajicek dominates AHL with record-breaking debut season
Young goaltender Simon Zajicek has made an impressive start in the AHL, joining the Providence Bruins straight from Czech junior hockey. His quick rise follows a strong mentorship under teammate Michael DiPietro, who leads the league in key stats. Meanwhile, other players across North American leagues have also delivered standout performances in recent games.
Zajicek, 20, arrived in Providence without prior professional training, moving directly from Frydlant’s youth system in the Czech Republic. Under DiPietro’s guidance, he has thrived, posting a 6-1-0 record in his first seven AHL starts. In each appearance, he has conceded no more than two goals, while his .942 save percentage and 1.70 goals-against average place him at the top of the league.
DiPietro, his mentor, has been equally dominant with an 8-2-0 record in his first ten games. Five of his last seven outings saw him allow just one goal, and his .942 save percentage matches Zajicek’s, though his goals-against average stands slightly higher at 1.80. Together, the pair have anchored Providence’s defence this season.
Elsewhere, forwards have also shone. Patrick Brown leads all active Providence Bruins players in goals (8), assists (12), and points (20), tying him for fifth overall in the AHL. His consistent scoring has made him a key figure in the team’s attack.
In college hockey, Chris Pelosi’s hat trick powered Quinnipiac to a 4-1 win over Clarkson. His nine goals and 15 points now lead the team, with only one player ahead in total scoring. James Hagens added two goals in Boston College’s 7-3 victory against the University of Maine, bringing his season tally to six goals and seven assists. Ryan Walsh contributed four assists in Cornell’s 6-1 win over RPI, keeping him at the top of the team’s scoring chart with nine points.
The USHL has seen strong performances too. Cooper Simpson scored a goal and an assist in Youngstown Phantoms’ 4-3 overtime win, then added another assist in their 5-3 victory the following day. His 27 points rank third in the league, underlining his influence on the team’s offence.
Zajicek’s rapid adjustment to professional hockey highlights the impact of strong mentorship and natural talent. With both Providence goalies ranking among the AHL’s best, the team’s defensive record looks secure. Meanwhile, the scoring feats of Brown, Pelosi, and others demonstrate a wave of offensive talent emerging across different leagues this season.
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