Zach Parise

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Parise's father, Jean-Paul, was a professional ice hockey player who played for Team Canada at the 1972 Summit Series, and for the Minnesota North Stars for several years, and his brother Jordan Parise is a retired professional hockey goaltender. Parise played midget AAA hockey for Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota, before spending two seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he was twice nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. He was drafted by the Devils 17th overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft and turned professional after his sophomore season, spending one year playing for the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL). Parise joined the Devils for the 2005–06 season. Parise's best NHL season was in 2008–09, when he was the League's third-leading goal scorer (45) behind Jeff Carter with 46 and NHL leader Alexander Ovechkin with 56, while ranking fifth among all NHL players in points with 94.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Zach Parise is defined by pivotal moments rather than just longevity. His professional debut began in the shadow of the 2004-05 NHL lockout, forcing a year in the AHL with the Albany River Rats where he recorded 18 goals and 40 assists. He made his NHL mark immediately upon joining the Devils in 2005-06, scoring a goal in his first game and setting a franchise record for the quickest season-opening goal the following year. His leadership qualities shone early; on October 3, 2008, he was named an alternate captain, leading a breakout offensive season where he scored 45 goals. The emotional peak of his early career came at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he served as an alternate captain for Team USA and scored the tying goal late in the gold medal game against Canada to force overtime, ultimately winning a silver medal. In Minnesota, the story began with a massive commitment: a 13-year, $98 million contract. He immediately integrated into the Wild's culture, wearing his father's number and sharing leadership duties with Ryan Suter.

Reader's Guide

Parise has represented the United States at several different events. He helped the USA ice hockey team win a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships, where he was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Best Forward, and earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star Team. Parise was an alternate captain for the American team at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and scored the tying goal late in the gold medal game against Canada to send it to overtime. Parise and his teammates won a silver medal. After the tournament, Parise was named to the Tournament All-Star Team. Parise was also named captain for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Did You Know?

• Parise's father, Jean-Paul, played for the Minnesota North Stars.
• Parise was drafted 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2003.
• Parise scored 45 goals in the 2008–09 season, third in the NHL.
• Parise played for Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics but did not serve as an alternate captain.