Zach Parise

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Lore & Background

Parise's connection to Minnesota runs deep, rooted in his upbringing in Faribault where he played midget AAA hockey for Shattuck-St. Mary's while his father worked in the program. His path to the NHL included two standout seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist twice and finished second in overall NCAA scoring among freshmen during the 2002-03 season. After being drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2003, Parise spent two professional seasons with the Albany River Rats (2003-04 and 2004-05) before joining the Devils full-time in 2005-06. His best statistical season occurred in 2008-09 with the Devils, where he scored 45 goals and finished fifth overall in league scoring. The decision to leave New Jersey after their Stanley Cup Final run was deeply personal; Parise noted that his parents were excited for him to return home, stating, 'We enjoy it here so much it would be great to be here year round.' Upon signing with the Wild on July 4, 2012, he chose number 11 because his father wore it as a North Star, while leaving his famous number 9 behind for captain Mikko Koivu. Both Parise and Ryan Suter were named alternate captains shortly after signing.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Zach Parise is defined by pivotal moments rather than just longevity. His professional debut began in the shadow of the 2004-05 NHL lockout, forcing a year in the AHL with the Albany River Rats where he recorded 18 goals and 40 assists. He made his NHL mark immediately upon joining the Devils in 2005-06, scoring a goal in his first game and setting a franchise record for the quickest season-opening goal the following year. His leadership qualities shone early; on October 3, 2008, he was named an alternate captain, leading a breakout offensive season where he scored 45 goals. The emotional peak of his early career came at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he served as an alternate captain for Team USA and scored the tying goal late in the gold medal game against Canada to force overtime, ultimately winning a silver medal. In Minnesota, the story began with a massive commitment: a 13-year, $98 million contract. He immediately integrated into the Wild's culture, wearing his father's number and sharing leadership duties with Ryan Suter.

Reader's Guide

Fans looking to understand Parise's profile should note his specific developmental path: four seasons of midget AAA hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary's, followed by a two-year collegiate career at North Dakota where he was named WCHA Rookie of the Week four times in his freshman year alone. He was drafted 17th overall in 2003 but turned pro after his sophomore season. His international resume is equally distinct, including a gold medal and MVP award at the 2004 World Junior Championships and a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics where he was named to the Tournament All-Star Team. In the NHL, he was selected for the 2009 All-Star Game representing the Eastern Conference and made the Second All-Star Team that same year. His leadership roles evolved from alternate captain in New Jersey (starting 2008) to team captain in 2011, a role he held until his departure. With the Minnesota Wild, he was named an alternate captain immediately upon signing in July 2012. The source highlights his physical resilience as well; during the 2010-11 season, he tore the meniscus in his right knee but returned to play on April 2 after surgery.

Did You Know?

• Parise scored the tying goal late in the gold medal game against Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics to send it to overtime.
• He won gold at the 2004 World Junior Championships, where Evgeni Malkin was named tournament MVP and Best Forward.
• Parise wore number 11 with the Minnesota Wild specifically because his father, J.P., wore that number as a player for the Minnesota North Stars.
• He was only the second freshman in University of North Dakota history to record a hat-trick in his second game since 1988.
• Parise and Ryan Suter signed identical 13-year, $98 million contracts with the Minnesota Wild on July 4, 2012.