Regina Pats' Zach Lansard Pursues NHL Dream While Honoring Late Mother's Memory
The 17-year-old Regina Pats forward is set to play in the WHL Prospects Game nearly one year after losing his mother Pauline to cancer. Zach Lansard is on the right path, inching closer to hearing his name called in this June's NHL Draft.
A Promising Season and NHL Draft Prospects
After a torrid start to his second WHL season, Lansard was recently ranked 72nd among North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, projecting him as a potential third-round pick. "It was obviously rewarding," said Lansard. "It was my goal for the whole summer and the whole year coming in here. It just shows that what I'm doing is working."
He emphasized the importance of staying focused: "And it's only the halfway point. The draft is in June so not get too ahead of myself and keep working out and getting better until that time."
Upcoming WHL Prospects Game and Team Support
Next week, Lansard will look to make another impression as he plays for Team East in the WHL Prospects Game on Feb. 18 in Langley, B.C., alongside 43 other NHL draft-eligible players from across the league. "I have a lot of good friends and good buddies there and getting to meet a lot of new people," said Lansard. "It's the top players and you're competing against the best. I'm definitely going to be prepared and really excited for that game."
His performance has been bolstered by strong support from the organization and teammates. "Coming in here as a 17-year-old, obviously more confidence than last year at 16," said Lansard, who recently played his 100th career WHL game. "But the organization has been unbelievable from helping me after practices, to in the gym, to meals. And then the teammates in the room supporting. It's all been great ... It's definitely been a confidence booster coming in here and being projected."
Statistical Growth and Coach's Praise
Last year in his rookie WHL season after being drafted by the Pats in the fourth round of the 2023 WHL prospect draft, the 6-foot-0, 175-pound St. Anne, Man. product put up seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 54 games. This season, Lansard has already recorded 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in his first 48 games after being named a "player to watch" in the NHL Central Scouting's preliminary report in October.
Pats head coach Brad Herauf praised his development: "We knew when he came to camp last year that we were going to have a good player. It doesn't matter where you're drafted, I just thought that things that we saw early on transcended to what he's doing right now. With where we were at last year, he got tons of experience, tons of opportunity, and I think he's really run with it right now."
Personal Loss and Motivation
However, it hasn't all been positive for Lansard. On Feb. 12 last year, his mom Pauline died after a battle with cancer. "It's been real tough," said Lansard. "Losing a loved one, especially your mom, it hasn't been easy, I'll tell you that." Despite this profound loss, Lansard continues to push forward, using his hockey career as a way to honor his mother's memory and chase his NHL dream with determination and resilience.
