NEWS

by Mike Carroccetto / Manotick Messenger

Earlier this season, Zach Renfrew was playing Jr. 'B' in Morrisburg with the Lions when Peter Goulet (Nepean Raiders head coach) called him. "(Peter) asked me to attend some practices. I guess he liked what he saw and so he signed me to an affiliate player (AP) card. After the trades of Brandon Watt and Shane Riddell, Goulet asked me to play full-time with Nepean." 

The 6'0" 200lb. 19-year-old Manotick resident has played nine games for the Raiders so far, scoring one goal and adding an assist. The next Raiders home game is this Sunday (January 18) vs. Cumberland Grads at the Nepean Sportsplex. 

MM: Zach, where did you play your minor hockey?
ZR: I played minor midget AA for Silver Seven and major midget AAA for the Upper Canada Cyclones. Before moving to Manotick (in 2009), I was playing competitive hockey in the Ottawa Sting organization.  

MM: Who is the best player you ever played hockey with?? 
ZR: Best player I have played with would be Andrew Palushaj last year with Elliot Lake Bobcats (NOJHL). He's now playing NCAA at University of Michigan-Dearborn. 

MM: Who is your favourite minor hockey coach? 
ZR: That would be Tom Kirkwood. He coached me in spring hockey (2008-2010) and again in Jr. 'B' with the Winchester Hawks during 2012-2013 season.

MM: What is your favourite restaurant in Manotick? 
ZR: Babbos Cucina Italiana (Beaverwood Rd.) is definitely my favorite restaurant in Manotick. I love Italian food. I've gotten to know the staff really well. 

MM: What is your pre-game meal?
ZR: Spaghetti and meatballs from Babbos is my favourite pre-game meal. 

MM: Describe your game. Who do you pattern your game after? 
ZR: I try to play a physical game. I try to pattern myself after (former Bruins' star) Cam Neely. Neely's my favorite player of all time. 

MM: What kind of music do you like? What songs or artists do you like best and/or download?
ZR: Right now I'm listening to a lot of Taylor Swift. Swift's 'Blank Space' is my go to song right now. 

MM: what are your favourite radio station(s)? 
ZR: I usually flip through Hot 89.9, 105.3 Kiss-FM, and Jump 106.9 when I'm in the car. Otherwise, I really don't listen to the radio.

MM: Do you have a favourite brand of clothes? Where do you like to shop?
ZR: I like to shop at Lululemon and Holt Renfrew downtown. My favourite mall would be the Rideau Centre. 

MM: What is your favourite jersey number and when did you last wear it???
ZR: 17 is my favorite jersey number and I last wore it with the Cyclones in major midget AAA. 

MM: What is your role this year on the Raiders? 
ZR: My role is to keep things simple. Grind on the other team's defence and create some energy and space for other players. 

MM: Have you ever played another position (besides forward)?
ZR: I tried playing goalie when I was little, but that didn't work out too well. 

MM: Do you have any hobbies?
ZR: I like to workout and lift weights. 

MM: Describe how your parents have supported your hockey career, and what they do now?
ZR: My parents have supported me in hockey since Day 1. My dad (Steve) took me to all my skating lessons as a kid and all my early morning practices and games. They still go to all my games.  

MM: What car do you usually drive?
ZR: I usually drive whatever car my parents aren't using that day, but I'm working them over to buy me my own. 

MM: Favourite hockey memory??... can be any event, tournament, a special goal, or whatever
ZR: Winning the Leo Boivin International Midget AAA showcase tournament (two years ago in Prescott). It was my last game of minor hockey and I scored the winning goal against the Latvian team in the championship game. 

MM: What other sports have you played? 
ZR: I played football when I was younger but the seasons collided and I was more passionate about hockey. I also played a couple years of field lacrosse in high school (St. Mark) just for fun. 

MM: What would you like to do after your junior hockey career is finished?