Zach Parise
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Centre |
| Shoots | Left |
| Nickname | Z-Par, Zach Attack, Big Z, ParisMan |
| Height Weight |
5 ft 11 in (1.8 m) 190 lb (86 kg) |
| NHL Team | New Jersey Devils |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Born | July 28, 1984, Minneapolis, MN, USA |
| NHL Draft | 17th overall, 2003 New Jersey Devils |
| Pro Career | 2005 – present |
Zach Parise (born July 28, 1984 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is an ice hockey player with the New Jersey Devils. He is a natural center but currently plays left wing for the New Jersey Devils.
Parise played high school hockey for four seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. In his final two years at Shattuck-St.Mary's, he scored 146 goals and 194 assists. In 2002 he went on to play for the University of North Dakota. In 2002-2003 while playing for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team, he was named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's All Rookie Team and All Conference 3rd team. In 2004 he was nominated a second time for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s top player
In 2003, Parise was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round (17th overall). He signed with them at the end of the 2003-2004 season, ending his college career.
In 2004, Parise was a member of the United States World Junior team that won the gold medal, where he was named tournament MVP. Also in 2004, he was named to the WCHA 1st team.
In 2004-2005, he began his pro career with the Albany River Rats where he totaled 18 goals and 40 assists. This placed him second on the team and fifth highest rookie scorer in the American Hockey League. He also made the starting line up for the league's All-star game.
In his first National Hockey League game on 5 October 2005, Parise scored a goal and an assist against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
His father J.P. Parise played 14 seasons in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Minnesota North Stars, New York Islanders, and Cleveland Barons. His older brother, Jordan Parise, was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Devils on July 6, 2006 after goaltending for the University of North Dakota hockey team.
Parise's playing strengths mostly lie in his speed, playmaking ability, and strong work ethic. He is often referred to as a cross between the styles of teammates Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez in his grit and ability to make plays. His weaknesses consist of his small physical stature as well as his relative inexperience as only a second-year player in the NHL.
