Will Power: Bruins Prospect Will Zellers Dominates USHL, Eyes NHL Stardom
In a season that redefined excellence in junior hockey, Boston Bruins prospect Will Zellers has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. The 19-year-old forward electrified the United States Hockey League (USHL) with a performance that not only earned him the league’s Player of the Year and Forward of the Year honors but also set new benchmarks for the Green Bay Gamblers franchise.
A Season for the Ages
Zellers’ 2024–25 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. In just 52 games, he amassed 71 points, including a league-leading 44 goals and 27 assists. His 1.37 points-per-game average topped all skaters, and his 214 shots on goal led the league, boasting an impressive 20.6 percent shooting percentage. Notably, Zellers contributed significantly to the Gamblers’ power play, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists with the man advantage, helping the unit achieve a league-best 27.8 percent conversion rate.
His 44 goals set a new single-season record for the Green Bay Gamblers, surpassing the previous mark of 41. This achievement underscores his offensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure.
From Minnesota to Boston: A Rising Star’s Journey
Hailing from Maple Grove, Minnesota, Zellers honed his skills at the prestigious Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Prep School before being selected in the second round of the 2022 USHL Futures Draft by the Green Bay Gamblers. His ascent continued when the Colorado Avalanche picked him 76th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. However, a pivotal trade on March 7, 2025, saw the Boston Bruins acquire Zellers, along with center Casey Mittelstadt and a second-round draft pick, in exchange for veteran forward Charlie Coyle.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 175 pounds, Zellers may not have the imposing size of some NHL forwards, but his agility, vision, and scoring touch make him a formidable presence on the ice. His relentless drive and commitment to excellence have drawn comparisons to Bruins legend Brad Marchand, particularly among fans eager to see the next generation of talent.
Looking Ahead: Collegiate Play and Beyond
Zellers is set to join the University of North Dakota in the fall, a program renowned for developing NHL-caliber talent. This next chapter in his career will provide him with the opportunity to further refine his skills against top-tier collegiate competition. Given his trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before he dons the Bruins jersey and brings his dynamic play to the NHL stage.
Bruins’ Future Brightens
The acquisition of Zellers has injected renewed optimism into the Bruins’ prospect pool. His record-breaking USHL season and subsequent accolades signal the arrival of a player poised to make a significant impact at the professional level. As the Bruins continue to build for the future, Zellers stands out as a beacon of potential and promise.
In the words of the USHL’s announcement, “Best in the U-Show! Will Zellers is the 2024–25 USHL Player of the Year!”
With his remarkable achievements and unwavering determination, Will Zellers embodies the spirit of Will Power, and Bruins fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.