21 Gene Zadzilka

Player Bio

First put on skates as part of the UW Computer Science department's group in '90, have been a hockey guy ever since.

As the years went on skating became harder, so I put on the pads so falling down (my natural reaction to ice) looks like I'm making a play.

Have 3 kids, so there's the priority that can trump hockey, but we try to keep Sundays open for MGHA.

MGHA coaching philosophy: goalie focused, but always love helping new skaters acclimate to skating and the fundamentals of playing. Mostly encouragement, but willing to dispense suggestions for improvement.

First year team = Redrum, referencing The Shining by Stephen King. Jersey = Cujo, not because I'm a rabid pupper, it's the nickname for former Badger goalie Curtis Joseph.

Addendum 1: second year, on the Nightfuries. Jersey = Hiccup, as I'm more the little nerd kid than a dragon.

Addendum 2: third season, citizen of The Shrek Republic, jersey = "An Old Frog". We would have won it all if it weren't for the stooooopid plague.

Addendum 2.5: Goalie for MGHA vs Team Trans in friendship series 2021. Well, that was awesome, when can we do that again?

Addendum 3: fourth season, Red Flags. Jersey = All Dadjokes, because well, immaturity. But I amuse myself.

Addendum 3.5: Rainbow Dash (lt blue) in the Classic tourney 2022. Made it to the championship, but alas...

Addendum 4: fifth season, Rubber Puckies, jersey = The Quacken. Why? Because I put a different rubber ducky on my goalie helmet each week to honor the other team.

Addendum 4.33: Ursula's B*tches in 2023 Classic. Yea, finally a purple jersey!

Addendum 4.66: Medium Rare (MGHA pink team) in Team Trans friendship series 2023.

Addendum 5: sixth season, Zambluenis, jersey = hip check. Because I had my hip checked out, results weren't good.

Addendum 5.5: Ultraviolet Gaydiation in the 2024 Classic. Hybrid skater/goalie, and my last game ever in the pads.

Coaching Bio

Polar Caps kids' hockey, from U8 to U14 over the past 8 years.
MGHA bench coach last couple of seasons.