Abbotsford Canucks’ General Manager Ryan Johnson continues to bolster the farm system with fresh talent, announcing the signing of forward Zach Okabe and defenceman Zach Berzolla to one-year AHL deals on Wednesday.
At 23, Zach Okabe brings a solid NCAA pedigree. The right winger spent the last five years with the St. Cloud Huskies, serving as assistant captain during his final season. Over 176 games, Okabe tallied 119 points (52 goals, 67 assists) and accumulated 81 penalty minutes. In his senior year (2022-23), he played a crucial role in helping St. Cloud secure an NCHC Championship, earning a spot on the NCHC All-Tournament Team.
After completing his collegiate career, the 5’9, 170 lbs forward signed an Amateur tryout with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL). During a nine-game stint, Okabe contributed two goals and an assist and finished with one additional playoff game. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, he became the fourth Japan-born player to suit up in an AHL match.
Before committing to the NCAA, he spent two seasons with the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL), averaging nearly a point per game with 115 points in 118 games. He brings ties to British Columbia, having played a year of prep hockey at Shawnigan Lake School and making a single appearance for the Victoria Grizzlies during the 2016-17 season.
On the defensive side, 26-year-old Zach Berzolla brings more professional experience, having spent the last three years jumping from the ECHL and AHL levels, respectively. In that time, the right-shot defender has played 135 ECHL games (54 points) and 29 AHL games (three points). Most recently, Berzolla played a role in the Florida Everblades’ ECHL Kelly Cup Championship, contributing five points across 23 playoff games.
Hailing from Howell, New Jersey, Berzolla spent his collegiate career with Colorado College, where he recorded 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) and 182 penalty minutes in 133 NCAA games. He served as the Tigers’ captain during his senior year in 2020-21.
Okabe and Berzolla join a growing list of new additions and re-signings for the Abbotsford Canucks this summer. Other notable signings include defencemen Joseph Arntsen and Layton Ahac, forwards Dino Kambeitz, Lee Lapid, Cooper Walker, Ben Berard, and goaltender Jonathan Lemieux.
The Abbotsford Canucks kick off their regular season in Calgary to take on the Wranglers on October 11th.