Minot-born Zach Nehring reaches Frozen Four with Western Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (KMOT) - A Minot-born hockey player is helping make history in his first year in college hockey.

Zach Nehring is a freshman at Western Michigan, and the Broncos are headed to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time in program history.

Nehring was born in Minot, attended Shattuck St. Mary’s in Faribault, Minn., and was a third-round pick by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2023 NHL Draft. He said growing up in Minot helped fuel his love for the game and that he does his best to keep up with the city’s current hockey landscape.

“Through my youth years, it was super fun getting home from school, having all the kids on my team coming over and just playing all night. That just kind of fueled the passion I have for the game. Yeah, I loved it. One of my best friends is at the Minotauros right now, so just keeping in touch with them, seeing how that season is going. I like to catch the games when I’m home. Still keeping in touch, for sure,” said Nehring.

Nehring has 13 goals and 17 assists this season, the most points for a freshman on the team. He said reaching the Frozen Four is a significant accomplishment in his young hockey career.

“It’s super special, not only to me, but the coaching staff, the seniors on my team, but even just the school it’s a huge thing. It’s the first time we’ve ever done it as a program. I think we’re getting a lot more belief besides just our group and coaches. I think the school and even outsiders, alumni, people watching us, they’re all rooting for us. It’s super cool,” said Nehring.

Western Michigan faces 10-time national champions Denver Thursday at 5 p.m. Central Time in St. Louis.

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