As an emergency backup goalie (EBUG) for the Senators, Zach was called just over an hour before face-off for the December 14 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Senators’ goaltender Anton Forsberg was injured during warm-ups, meaning backup Linus Ullmark had to play, leading the Senators to call in Zach just in case.
But on the way to the Canadian Tire Centre with his girlfriend, Charley Healey — who plays for the women’s Gee-Gees hockey team — the pair got stuck in traffic about a kilometre away. Zach decided he’d have to make a run for it to make the warmup. Carrying two heavy packs of pads and equipment, his run was caught on video by @muggers_hockey on X (formerly Twitter) and quickly exploded on social media, with comments like “Now that’s commitment!”
After the game, Zach’s phone was ringing and ringing with requests for interviews and there was a TSN 1200 feature on Zach, as well as coverage from the Ottawa Citizen, Sportsnet and many other media outlets in the United States, the U.K., Sweden, Germany.
“A lot of people gave me congrats. It was a pretty cool opportunity, and it was nice to share it with the guys on my team.”
Zach Dietz
— Gee-Gees hockey goalie
Although Zach wasn’t needed on the ice — the Sens won 3–2 in overtime — he signed a pro tryout contract and equipment staff made him a jersey with his name on it.
Now that the dust has settled, Zach, a second-year student in interdisciplinary studies, says, “I haven’t been recognized in classes, which is kind of good. I don’t want to be known for just being the EBUG guy.
“A lot of people gave me congrats. It was a pretty cool opportunity, and it was nice to share it with the guys on my team.”
It’s the kind of commitment that will come in handy this season and when the Gee-Gees host the 2025 U Sports hockey University Cup March 20 to 23.
Zach adds that he’s now focused on “finishing out strong with the team here, getting into the playoffs in a good seat and then making a good playoff run. Then, we host the national tournament and that’s in the back of our minds. We get to play for a national championship and the goal is to win it.”
The tournament, known as the David Johnston University Cup, will see eight of the best men’s university hockey teams in Canada compete for glory on the ice at the TD Place Arena. Tickets are on sale now. Go Gee-Gees!