The West Vancouver Hockey Academy is pleased to announce the additions of Darcy Zajac and Jason Krog to their coaching staff.
Zajac, a native of Winnipeg Manitoba, joins the Academy following a playing career that had him star in the BCHL as a Captain with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, attend the University of North Dakota on NCAA scholarship where he was Alternate Captain, WCHA Scholar Athlete, All-WCHA Academic team, and Archie Krum Memorial Award Winner. Zajac’s pro career commenced in 2010 with the New Jersey Devils organization, and recently concluded in Europe.
“I am excited to join the West Vancouver Hockey Academy. The CSSHL is an exceptional league for player development and West Van has great structure, great people, and great kids to work with. I am very happy to be apart of this program and cannot wait to get to the rink to begin working with our teams.”
Zajac is a familiar family name in hockey circles, as Darcy’s father attended the University of Denver NCAA hockey program and has run hockey camps in Winnipeg for 20 years. Zajac’s three brothers attended NCAA programs and continue to play professional hockey. Darcy has over 15 years experience in hockey instruction, including working with and for NHL skills and skating coaches Glenn Carnegie and Diane Ness.
The Academy lands another coach of strong character and passion with a desire to develop young hockey players in the hiring of Jason Krog. Originally from Fernie BC, Krog retired from professional hockey in 2017 following standout stops with the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs and University of New Hampshire Wildcats, earning him an 18-year professional career in the NHL, AHL, and European leagues. A captain and natural leader on multiple teams, the former NCAA Hobey Baker winner, AHL Top Scorer, League MVP, Calder Cup Winner, and Playoff MVP will provide tremendous value to the Academy’s student athletes. In addition to having worked with the game’s most highly regarded coaches, Jason has 20 years experience providing youth hockey instruction.
“My passion for the game of hockey and player development is something that I look forward to being involved in every day. Working with the student athletes and families at the West Vancouver Hockey Academy is something I can relate to from a leadership, education, and competitive hockey background. This is an exciting day and I am thrilled to get started.”
Nathan Fischer, Academy Founder and Director echoed his enthusiasm on the Academy’s newest coaches: “Both Darcy and Jason bring an upstanding level of professionalism, experience, and an unwavering level of dedication to our Academy and our student athletes. They are impressive young men with great hockey backgrounds, yet more importantly, they are two exceptional people who align with our values and vision. We are ecstatic to have them join us as integral leaders and contributors to our program.”
In addition to co-coaching the Bantam Varsity team, Krog and Zajac will also provide power skating and specialty skill work with the Bantam Prep, Elite 15, and Midget Prep Academy teams. Their tenure with the West Van Hockey Academy begins on April 1st, 2019