PHOTO COURTESY MEDICINE HAT TIGERS
The Medicine Hat Tigers announced the signing of defenceman Zack Nieckar on Thursday.
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The Medicine Hat Tigers signed a third selection from the 2024 WHL Draft.
The Tigers announced the signing of defenceman Zack Nieckar on Thursday. The Sherwood Park product signed with the team at the end of prospects camp last weekend after being selected 97th overall in the prospects draft in early May.
The 15-year-old is a player who head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins says they were excited to be able to sign.
“Zack is such a great skater, he moves really well, sees ice well, really mobile,” Desjardins said. “He’s a guy that has a lots of upside. So whenever you can fill your back end, that’s always a big key for you.”
Nieckar spent his 2023-2024 season in the Canada Sports School Hockey League with OHA Edmonton U15 Prep, tallying three goals and 16 points in 20 games played. He also suited up six games for OHA Edmonton’s U17 team, recording one assist.
The young defenceman enjoyed the weekend camp and he is excited to be part of the rest of the Tigers’ prospect core.
“It’s been great, even these first couple of days being with the guys, it’s an unreal feeling. The rink and the staff, it’s next level.
“When I was looking at the draft I knew we were going to be pretty good. I knew some of them were gonna sign soon, so it’s nice.”
Nieckar was in his bedroom on draft day, watching along with WHL fans as names ticked by and teams selected their future talent. He was watching the movie Hustle, starring Adam Sandler. It was then he saw his name and soon after received a call from Desjardins.
“I was watching Netlfix trying not to worry too much,” Nieckar said. “It was pretty nerve wracking though, but once I got drafted it was pretty exciting.
“I’ve been watching him, looking up to (Desjardins), he’s been everywhere. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Nieckar describes himself as a two-way defenceman who can move the puck quick and be strong offensively in the attacking end of the ice.
