Zaccharya Wisdom, a Kraken prospect, finds Monday mornings to be a catalyst for various emotions. This summer, he views the beginning of the workweek as an opportunity to rise from bed and dedicate himself to intense training, preparing for his second season at NCAA Division I Colorado College.

Wisdom shared a valuable piece of advice he received from his hockey mentors, saying, “There’s always someone out there working harder than you.” This advice has stuck with him and his brother, Zayde, who was drafted by Philadelphia. When feeling unmotivated on a Monday morning, Wisdom reminds himself that someone else is pushing themselves even harder. He maintains a constant grind, as pursuing an NHL career is not just a passion but also a job. Despite the greatness of the job, he recognizes the fierce competition and the multitude of individuals striving to play at that level.

Wisdom caught the attention of the Kraken during the 2023 NHL Draft’s seventh round due to his outstanding performance in USHL Cedar Rapids. With an impressive record of 28 goals and 48 points in just 59 games, his abilities on the ice left a lasting impression. Additionally, Wisdom’s unwavering determination to play a physical game in all areas of the rink, delivering impactful hits along the boards and disruptive bumps in traffic, further impressed the team. Scouts praised his ability to make purposeful contact, recognizing the value it brings to his overall game, as reported by Elite Prospects.

Wisdom, a right wing, made an impressive start to his college career as an NCAA freshman. In his first game, he scored a goal and continued to excel throughout the season. Wisdom finished with a total of ten goals and ten assists in 33 appearances. He particularly stood out in the second half of the season, contributing to his team’s success. Despite narrowly missing out on a bid to the Division I men’s tournament, Colorado College ended the season with a strong 21-13-3 record and a No. 15 ranking. One remarkable highlight for both Wisdom and the team was when he scored four goals in a dominant 7-1 victory over division rival, the University of North Dakota, who were then ranked No. 2 nationally. This outstanding performance showcased Wisdom’s potential as a Kraken prospect.

Wisdom’s mother, Mairri, had the incredible opportunity to witness his exceptional four-goal game, which was a rare occurrence. During media interviews, the Kraken seventh-rounder emphasizes the immense gratitude he feels towards his mom for enabling him to pursue his passion for hockey. Throughout their childhood in Toronto, Mairri tirelessly worked various jobs, often taking on double shifts and odd hours, to support her sons and ensure they had the necessary hockey equipment. One particularly memorable role she held was as an overnight tow-truck driver, where she made sure there was enough space in the truck’s cab for Zaccharya and Zayne to sleep. Once her shift ended, Mairri would drop them off at school.

Wisdom’s exceptional ability to score sets him apart from his older brother, who has accumulated 123 American Hockey League games in the past three seasons, despite being only two years apart. Nevertheless, the younger Wisdom acknowledges that there are noticeable similarities in the way both brothers approach and play the sport.

“On the eve of the Kraken’s early July development camp, Wisdom expressed, ‘Our work ethics are widely recognized. We bear a striking resemblance in how we utilize our bodies on the ice and handle battles near the net. Much of it revolves around being strong on the puck. We embrace a similar playing style.'”

The first two goals scored by Wisdom in the previously mentioned North Dakota game showcase the benefits of playing a physical game and embracing contact in the offensive zone. These goals demonstrate how Wisdom’s performance in the offensive zone is likely to improve even further as he adds more muscle to his 6-foot, 175-pound frame. In his first goal, Wisdom skillfully redirected a teammate’s off-target shot while off-balance and in mid-air. For his second goal, he positioned himself firmly in front of the net, allowing him to successfully convert on a rebound opportunity.

In a post-game media scrum, Wisdom admitted, “On the first goal, I got cross-checked. I was simply swinging at the puck. It wasn’t a display of skill, just sheer luck. I suppose you need some luck to score four goals.”

Wisdom finds himself in a competitive atmosphere at the NCAA level, where he encounters opponents who can be as experienced as 23 or 24 years old. He acknowledged the value of the Kraken’s 2023 development camp in aiding his preparation for the college season, as it provided him with the opportunity to compete against numerous talented prospects. However, he also confessed to feeling a hint of nervousness during the initial games against Colorado College.

Wisdom expressed, “Confidence was the key factor. During that initial game, I was quite nervous. It was incredibly exhilarating but also quite intimidating. Initially, I wasn’t truly showcasing my abilities. I was more focused on not making any mistakes. However, as the year progressed, I simply embraced the game of hockey.”

As a 19-year-old freshman, Wisdom showcased his maturity when he responded to a reporter’s inquiry about his competition with fellow freshman Evan Werner for first-line minutes. He provided a veteran-like answer, acknowledging Werner’s motivation and expressing how their rivalry was benefiting the team. “We’re both driven to secure a spot on the first line. We’re constantly improving, pushing each other, and ultimately elevating the overall performance of the team.”

Wisdom’s fellow teammates openly acknowledged the growing influence of the Kraken prospect off the ice as the Tigers’ season progressed. His unwavering commitment to hard work, even on Monday mornings, did not go unnoticed and garnered admiration.

During the regular season, sophomore goalie Kaidan Mbereko expressed to collegehockeynews.com reporter Joe Paisley, “He possesses such a charismatic personality that everyone adores him. It’s remarkable how the team naturally gravitates towards him, especially considering his young age. He has quickly established himself as a team leader, approaching the game with a professional mindset. Witnessing this growth, particularly from a freshman, is truly exhilarating.”

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