The future arrived a lot earlier than expected for Austin Zemlak.
He coined an apt term for it: “Pre-experience, and I think it will be huge for my development in getting it.”
A raft of injuries and a 2-15-2 Victoria Royals’ record has allowed that to transpire as the Royals’ first-round pick in the 2020 Western Hockey League bantam draft, selected ninth overall, has made his WHL debut earlier than anybody expected.
“I think I’ve had a good adjustment to the speed and physicality of this level,” said Zemlak, 16, who has played twice for Victoria since being called up from the OHA Prep Midget team in Edmonton.
“These players are a lot smarter with the puck and at reading the game.”
But Zemlak hasn’t backed off. He is already six-foot tall and nearing 190 pounds and still growing.
“I believe I’m a good puck-moving skater who can jump into the rush, yet I have a physical side defensively,” he said.
The biggest issue is timing since his Midget team has only been practising, and not playing, in Alberta due to pandemic restrictions.
“It’s been exciting because these have been my first two games in about seven months,” said the native of Fort McMurray.
Zemlak joined a Victoria blueline already laced with rookies. The plan is for it to come up together.
“I feel good about this group moving forward,” he said.
“We are going to have a strong defence in the years ahead.”
It should even be markedly better by September. Veteran blueliners Nolan Bentham and Jacson Alexander, not part of the Victoria roster in this pandemic-abbreviated 22-game season, are expected back for the 2021-22 season. That would give the Royals four first-round bantam draft picks on the blueline – Zemlak and hometown-Victoria products Bentham, Alexander and Jason Spizawka.
Graduating 20-year-old Matthew Smith is the lone true veteran defenceman currently on the Royals blueline (converted veteran forward Graeme Bryks is also playing defence out of necessity). Although Smith won’t be a part Victoria’s blueline future, he will have been instrumental in influencing it.
“Matt [Smith] has helped me out a lot,” said Zemlak.
The Royals close out their season account against the Prince George Cougars tonight in Kelowna, against the Vancouver Giants on Tuesday in Kamloops and against the host Rockets on Wednesday in Kelowna.
