Nehring Overcomes Adversity, Prepares for College Hockey with Western Michigan University
After being drafted in the third round by the Winnipeg Jets last summer, Zach Nehring was eager to begin his first season with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL). However, the 19-year-old forward faced significant challenges early in the season, including a severe concussion that sidelined him for two months.
“Definitely quite the experience. Coming into a new league, it’s tougher competition, new guys, and a new building. I wasn’t used to that. It’s all an adjustment,” said Nehring at the Jets development camp earlier this month. “It was unfortunate, got injured 10 games in and missed about two months with a pretty bad concussion.”
Nehring’s injury occurred in late November, cutting short a critical adjustment period in the new league. The concussion forced him to spend a lot of time isolated, dealing with severe headaches. Despite this setback, Nehring was determined to make a comeback and finished the season strong.
“The first 10-20 games are kind of where you get your feet wet and feel comfortable. And that was cut short for me,” Nehring explained. “It was super tough mentally, just to deal with that and spend a lot of time in my room, just by myself with the lights off because my headaches were so bad. But I’m just grateful it all healed up having any issues since I was glad to just finish off the year.”
Recovery was challenging, particularly with the isolation from his teammates and the temptation to return too soon. Nehring credits his sister, who was attending college in Sioux Falls, and Jets director of player development, Jimmy Roy, for their support during his recovery.
“Jimmy especially was a lot of help for me. I mean, he’s had a few concussions in his day. So, he’s been there, especially playing in the pro level and how to handle that. It’s definitely tough. And a lot of people especially on the outside, like they don’t understand and how that feels and how you kind of have to go about it,” said Nehring. “It’s a lot of work. A lot of it, you’re kind of doing by yourself, you don’t really have anyone around you. Unless you’re talking to your parents or especially like Jimmy and they were a lot of help for me and I’m super happy to have him in my corner.”
Now fully recovered, Nehring is ready to take on a new challenge: college hockey. He will begin his first campaign with Western Michigan University this fall.
“Going into college next year. It’s bigger, stronger, guys. But I think I’m ready. You know, just the training in the summer has been nice kind of compare yourself and put yourself with those older guys in the weight room especially,” said Nehring. “I think that’s the big focus for me. It’s just getting stronger and filling out my frame. I’m really excited to play for (head coach) Pat Ferschweiler and the Broncos this year. It’ll be an exciting group. We got a lot of young guys, so I’m interested to see how it goes and I’m ready to push myself every day.”
As Nehring prepares for the next chapter in his hockey career, he remains grateful for the support he received during his recovery and is determined to make the most of his opportunity with Western Michigan University.
