By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
The Springfield Pics’ four-year USPHL veteran defenseman and USPHL All-Star Nick Zanin is moving on to the NCAA in 2025-26, as he’s made his commitment to Rivier University.
Zanin, the Pics’ all-time leading scorer among Premier defensemen with 85 points in 126 games, talked about how it all started with the Raiders staff.
“I first started talking to Rivier when Coach [Shaun] Millerick reached out in early October after I attended their prospects day to tour campus and get on the ice with him for a skate,” said Zanin. “After that skate, Coach Millerick called me and told me that I could fit into his program. At that point it was really a no-brainer for me after talking to him about the school and hockey program plus seeing campus and being around the great facilities they have.
“What really stood out to me first was the all around culture at Rivier,” Zanin added. “They really know how to support student athletes and that was something I was really looking for. Also I knew how well-respected Coach Millerick and the hockey program was. The team has a reputation of having high standards and a winning mindset on and off the ice It was very easy to make my decision.”
Zanin started out with the Pics in their Midget program in 2019, moving to the USPHL Elite in 2021-22. After one season there, he earned promotion to the USPHL Premier in 2022-23.
“As soon as I joined the Pics organization at 15, I knew that it would be a place I would stay for a while,” said Zanin. “Every year, everyone makes it a really fun environment every day on and off the ice and that’s something that really made me keep coming back. When I started my Premier career, I was really well guided by Coach Bonneau. He pushes me every day to be better on and off the ice and that’s something I will always take with me to the next level at Rivier. I couldn’t thank him enough for the last three years.”
Zanin was selected for the USPHL Premier All-Star Game that was played Jan. 27-28, and was certainly grateful for the opportunity.
“Getting to play in the All-Star event this year was a pleasure. It was fun to play with some of the players in the New England Division on the same team that you battle against all year long. The games were really high paced and it was very fun to be a part of.”
There’s not much left to his final regular season but he certainly hopes there’s as many possible postseason games as possible – including a hopeful advancement to Nationals.
“I really want to improve my skating and getting up and down the ice faster this offseason,” added Zanin. “I like to play an offensive game from the back end and I feel I need to improve my stride and speed for that in the next level. It’s something I will definitely be working on.”
The USPHL congratulates Nick Zanin, his family, the Springfield Pics and Rivier University for his commitment.
