skip navigation

Player Spotlight: Cal Zinda, 12th grade, NHM Rockets

By Matt Carey, Contributor, 01/30/25, 10:00AM CST

Share

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Matt Carey and do not reflect the opinions of Wisconsin Prep Hockey or its partners.

Overcoming the odds is a phrase used in sports to describe a team or player that achieves more than anticipated. Cal Zinda of the Neenah/Hortonville/Menasha Rockets is an example of overcoming the odds. Cal is listed at 5’4” and 135 pounds.

Looking at a game program, a player that size might get overlooked. But when the game starts Cal Zinda can’t be overlooked. He stands out like a bright star. Cal is one of the top high school hockey players in Wisconsin.

Cal skates with precision on his edges, and his vision of the ice is second to none. The senior defenseman passes the puck tape to tape in finite spaces. Excellent passing is a reason he has been a leader in assists for the Rockets the past two seasons.

Cal is a two-time captain for NHM, and last season he was first team Badgerland all-conference, and honorable mention WHCA all state. In fall 2024 Cal played in the Elite League, the best league below juniors in USA Hockey, as a member of Team Wisconsin U18.

“The number one thing is I love Cal’s commitment to the game. He is very mature. He is a team captain and one of our leaders. Cal plays big despite his stature. He has a knack for getting into greasy situations but knows how to get out of them. He finds a way to get on the scoresheet when we need him on the offensive side, and he still takes care of the defensive zone. He logs a ton of minutes…he is on the ice a lot!” Jeff Lindemann, head coach, NHM Rockets

“Calvin had a great fall season for us. He ran a power play, played even strength shifts in all areas of the ice and killed penalties. Being an undersized defenseman in the Elite League is very difficult. Calvin battled in every area of the ice using his quickness, leverage and tenacity against bigger forwards and won more 50/50’s than he lost.” Mike Schwengler, head coach, Team Wisconsin U18

Let’s hear from Cal Zinda!

How is your senior season going? It is fun. I really enjoy the guys on the team. Every day at practice is fun.

When did you start playing hockey? When I was 4.

Where did you play youth hockey? In Fond du Lac, but then we moved to Neenah in 3rd grade, and I played for Fox Valley.

You played for TW U18 in the Elite League…how was that experience? It was really fun. The competition was really good. It was the fastest hockey I have ever played.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? My dad, my uncle Mark, and my brother Cooper.

What is your favorite hockey memory? My U14 year for Team Wisconsin.

Why is TW U14 your favorite hockey memory? I loved it, my team and the coaches. The coaching staff (Paul Caufield, Dan Francis, Bob Schroeder) opened my eyes to hockey, and I started to realize I might be able to play after high school.

What is your pregame ritual? I like to stretch and get warmed up. I stick handle and then I always put my jersey on last.

What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition? I think I have very good deception, and my ability to pass. Because of my size I need to be able to pass. I make the players around me better.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? Quinn Hughes.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My mom and dad. They are both wonderful people. They’re good leaders and I want to be like them.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would you want to meet? Wayne Gretzky.

What would you ask Gretzky? I would ask him about his career and what it was like.

What is the plan for hockey after high school? I am hoping to play junior hockey.

If you don’t play juniors, where will you go to school? Somewhere in Wisconsin. UW Madison or UW La Crosse.

What do you want to do for your career? Something in business. I used to want to be a doctor, but I am not sure.

Do you play any other sports at Neenah? I am on the golf team.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? I like to mountain bike and go fishing with my brother and cousin Fletcher.

What do you fish for? Bass.

What is your favorite food? Steak

Do you have a favorite restaurant? My dad! He makes the best steaks.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? Country music. The Tragically Hip.

Where is your dream vacation? Somewhere in Italy. It looks like a cool place with the architecture.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Dodge Hellcat.

Final thoughts? I want to thank all my coaches for helping me, and my teammates for pushing me in practice. I am thankful for my family, my parents and brother.

Best wishes to Cal Zinda!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey

YOURS FOR HOCKEY

Player Spotlight: Gabe Pankratz, 12th grade, Eau Claire Memorial

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/20/2025, 6:30pm CST

Player Spotlight: Matt Richter, 12th grade, Madison Edgewood

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/16/2025, 11:15am CST

Player Spotlight: Austin Lamer, 12th grade, Tomahawk

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/03/2025, 3:30pm CST

Drew Schock NTDP Update

By Matt Carey, Contributor 01/01/2025, 12:45pm CST

Weekend Recap: 3rd Annual Bill McGann Tournament

By Matt Carey, Contributor 12/30/2024, 2:00pm CST

JJ Marthaler NTDP Update

By Matt Carey, Contributor 12/26/2024, 8:00am CST