Sam Zis played three seasons of high school hockey with Monarch, leading the Coyotes in scoring the past two seasons and serving as captain in 2020-21.

Next season, the 2003-born Zis, who graduated this year from Boulder High School, is heading out east to play for the Connecticut Chiefs’ 18U AAA team, a program with an EHL junior hockey affiliate.

“The Chiefs contacted me a couple of months ago and after meeting with them a couple times, I decided that it was a great opportunity,” said Zis. “The coaching staff there seems really knowledgeable. I don’t think the transition to AAA should be too hard if I go into the challenge with a good work ethic and a good attitude.”

During this past season, Zis said that even during the ongoing pandemic, he found ways to have fun and enjoy his last year of high school.

“This season was one of the most enjoyable seasons of my hockey career,” said Zis. “It was so much fun playing out my senior season with all of my friends. I had a lot of pride watching our team battle through adversity all season stemming from the pandemic and getting stronger from it.”

Growing up, Zis also played for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders and hometown Boulder Hockey Club

“I started playing hockey when I was six years old,” Zis said. “I started playing because my whole family loves hockey and it has always been a part of my life even before I started playing organized games. I remember playing floor hockey with my dad when I was really young during the Stanley Cup Final.

“Monarch coaches Jimmy Dexter and Steve Strunk were huge influences in my career, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Now enjoying the summer before heading to Connecticut, Zis noted his reachable goals on the ice for the future.

“I want to have a successful year away from home and eventually be able to play hockey in college,” said Zis.

— Matt Mackinder

(July 22, 2021)