Fishers player Derek Zike selected by Ice

Published on May 13, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - While stocking the roster with picks from around the country, the Indiana Ice selected Fishers, IN, native Derek Zike in Wednesday's 2009 USHL Entry Draft. Zike, a member of the Chicago Fury U16 team, was selected alongside 15 other skaters to join the Ice.

Zike, a 1992 birth year (17-year-old) forward from Fishers, scored eight points (G, 7A) last year for the Chicago Fury before he was seriously injured in a hockey tournament in January. Zike suffered a broken vertebra in his neck after he slipped while turning and slid into the boards head first. Following a stay in an Ann Arbor, MI, area hospital, he has recently moved home and continues his rehabilitation efforts.

Zike has recovered movement in his shoulders and arms, and is working toward his stated goal of walking again.

"We are excited to add Derek to the Indiana Ice family," Ice coach Jeff Blashill said following the selection. "Derek has great determination and heart, two characteristics we want our organization to be about. As Derek fights to recover from his injury, we want to provide hope and support to him."

Donations to help Zike through his injury can be made to the Derek Zike Special Needs Trust or at www.derekzike.com.

The Indiana Ice is a member of the United States Hockey League, America's only Tier One league.



United States Hockey League Stories from May 13, 2009


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