Fourth-round defender gets limited to just 14 games as a sophomore
Picked ten slots (105th overall) after the Florida Panthers made Mike Benning the first defenseman selected in the Bill Zito era, Zachary Uens quickly become the second when the Cats took him in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
During his draft season, Uens played in all 34 games and amassed 18 points on four goals and 14 assists as a freshman for Merrimack College. He showed his physical side by leading the team in penalty minutes with 68 and displayed a bit of an offensive touch by producing three multi-point games, including a two-assist performance against Boston University on January 17. Prior to suiting up for Merrimack, Uens played two full seasons in the Junior A-level Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Wellington Dukes and attended the Vegas Golden Knights development camp in the summer of 2019.
Uens finished his sophomore campaign with one goal and six helpers, appearing in 14 of 18 games of the Warriors’ COVID-19 shortened schedule. His only goal came on the power play in a 6-2 loss to Connecticut on January 30. He had two helpers in a 6-2 win over New Hampshire on February 20, which was his only multi-point game of the season. Uens registered 23 shots on goal, took four minor penalties and finished the year with a solid even rating. He blocked 18 shots, including four against Boston College on January 17, which equaled his single game career-high.
Dobber Prospects tabs Uens as an offensive defender who enjoys stepping up in the rush. He is a strong skater and does not shy away from being physical. The 20-year-old will return to campus during the fall and get in some much-needed playing time as hopefully, the Warriors are able to return to a full schedule. Uens is a long range prospect who will probably need to play out all of his NCAA eligibility before a decision can be amde on his future as professional.
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