Zach Hertz is a Montana native who has spent his formative hockey development years playing AAA hockey with the Colorado Rampage.

Next season, the Billings, Mont., product will head home to play with the Montana Buckaroos, a new NCDC team that is joining the junior hockey league for the 2025-26 season.

“The opportunity came up as the head coach reached out to me about the program and he knew I was from there,” said Hertz. “We both thought it would be cool to play back home. The team caught my eye as I will be playing Tier II hockey. I am most looking forward to making my jump to juniors with a good coach and team.

“My plan for adjusting will be to train over the summer with the Rampage and get stronger and faster so I can be a physical playmaker with the Buckaroos.”

While growing up in Montana meant being in a non-traditional hockey environment, Hertz still found a way to play the game.

“I started hockey because of my older brother who played and I just fell in love with the game,” Hertz said. “I would say the NHL played a role and for me, it was the Boston Bruins. I’ve played with the Rampage since 14s and I’ve been lucky enough to have phenomenal coaches all of my years here.

“This year (with the Rampage 18U AAA team) has been a blast as we have a great, tight-knit team. The year has definitely prepared me for juniors as we have had ups and downs and had to battle all the way through state playoffs. The year really taught me that you have to buy in to the little things.”

Looking down the line, Hertz said his goals are well within reach, both on and off the ice.

“My short-term goal is to make the team and have a good season in Billings and long-term goal is to make a college hockey team and play as long as possible,” said Hertz. “After hockey is done, I would want to have job in the business field or I would want to work for my dad back home.”

Photo provided by Zach Hertz

— Matt Mackinder

(February 24, 2025)