USA Hockey Magazine

Blake Zielinski Of The Des Moines Buccaneers Volunteers Throughout The Iowa Community T HE USHL NAMED BLAKE ZIELINKSI OF THE DES MOINES BUCCANEERS as the league's second recipient of The Gaudreau Award, an annual honor bestowed upon the player in the USHL who best embodies the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny and Matthew's parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau met virtually with the Buccaneers to present the honor named after their sons, Johnny (Dubuque Fighting Saints, 2010-11) and Matthew (Omaha Lancers, 2011-13). The award criteria are grounded in the personal and professional lives of the Gaudreau brothers, combining elements of on-ice excellence with joy, enthusiasm, care and responsibility. The honor goes to the player who best exhibits excellence in hockey, spirit of the game, and care and responsibility. Using his elite skill, competitiveness, and creativity, Zielinski had 25 goals and 27 assists through 52 games this season, helping Des Moines into a playoff spot for the first time since 2023. After join- ing the Buccaneers from the North Jersey Avalanche last season, Zielinski has returned with the enthusiasm and joy that lifted the performance and confidence of those around him. The youngest of three, a middle school teacher and an accountant, Zielinski grew up playing youth hockey with the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers in his hometown of Berlin, N.J. Blake's family is his largest support sys- tem. He's often talking to his parents and his siblings. That is when he isn't helping with his other family. His billet mom, Kelly, often sees Zielinski outside the home when he volunteers at Des Moines Youth Hockey Association practices or when he shows up at the rink to watch his billet brothers play. He's become a steward and friendly face in the Des Moines youth hockey scene, embracing a role he's earned and embraced from the outset. Zielinski has volunteered his time in Des Moines packaging food at Meals from the Heartland, assisting at the Food Bank of Iowa, the Des Moines Children's Museum, and AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport, where they named a dog after him. It was his character as much as his skill that was evi- dent from the beginning for the Buccaneers' coaching staff. Selected third overall in the 2024 USHL Phase I Draft, Zielinski had 13 goals and 19 assists in 41 games, making the USHL All- Rookie Second Team. His production left him with many choices as to where he want- ed to continue his development this season. He decided his path to Providence College ran through Des Moines. Zielinski was accepted into the USHL by veterans on the team, including his billet brother, Ben Kevan, a 2025 New Jersey Devils second-round pick. He wanted a turn to help steer the ship. Part of the team's leadership group since the start of the sea- son, Zielinski officially earned a letter on his sweater in January. Zielinski's ability to guide the team through difficult losses and midseason roster moves has played a critical role in the Buccaneers' success. His teammates naturally gravitate to him, and with that influence, he's created a locker room envi- ronment built on trust, accountability, and genuine care for one another. "Despite his elite talent, Blake competes with humility and respect for the game," said Derek Damon, head coach and pres- ident of hockey operations for the Des Moines Buccaneers. "He understands that success is built through team effort, and he consistently uses his ability not just to stand out, but to lift the performance and confi- dence of everyone around him." P JUNIOR HOCKEY PHOTOS COURTESY USHL 12 // APRIL 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM AMERICAN JUNIOR HOCKEY SPOTLIGHT ZIELINKSI HONORED WITH THE GAUDREAU AWARD

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