By Warren Kozireski —
Robert Morris rejoined the Atlantic Hockey Association last season after two years off following the threatened shutdown of the program. Normally that would devastate any roster and take years to rebuild, but thanks to a solid recruiting effort offering freshmen the chance to compete right away, the Colonials are competitive again thanks in large part to Nichols School product Walter Zacher.
The 5’11” right wing entered the holiday schedule break leading the team with 11 goals and 59 shots and is tied for the team lead with 17 points.
“He’s a goal scorer; I think he was a little disappointed with his lack of goals last year even with 22 points, but he usually scores more,” Robert Morris head coach Derek Schooley said.
“He’s coming into his own…and it’s good to see him get going. When we committed him as a top prospect, we needed goals and we needed people to come in and embrace being part of Colonial hockey…and I’m happy with Walt’s game so far.”
“Last year I was battling a bit on an injury all year (hip) and then I had an operation in the offseason and I felt stronger and faster coming back,’ Zacher said.
After putting up a combined 98 points over 63 games in his finale of four seasons with Nichols, Zacher headed to Austin in the NAHL for three campaigns, the final one accumulating 32 goals and 55 points in 58 games. And 14 points in 11 playoff games on their way to the Robertson Cup finals.
“Our family has been at the school (Nichols) since the 1930’s, so it’s always been in my blood to go to Nichols. I started in fifth grade and I knew from the moment I put on skates that I was going to wear the green and white. Glad I stayed for four years.
“(Then) I was (supposed to go to) Sherwood Park (BCHL), but then covid shut Alberta down. Glad I went, great experience.”
The 22-year-old then decided to help restart the Robert Morris hockey program and net his first collegiate hat trick Oct. 19 in Miami, Ohio.
“It was a stressful situation because not all freshmen get to play right away…but there was opportunity to come in and play a big role. It’s been a while since I had a hat trick…but it felt good to get that out of the way early especially since last year I had a bit of a scoring slump all year with only five goals.
“Then to start out the year first weekend with four (goals); it felt good to get the monkey off my back.”
The Biology/Pre-med major after hockey is hoping to pursue a career in medicine working with athletes healing with the goal of being an orthopedic surgeon. But first, there are other goals…on the ice.
(Photo’s provided by Robert Morris Men’s Hockey and Athletic Department)
