Never one to back down from a challenge, Zack Fitzgerald of the American Hockey League’s Adirondack Phantoms admits that his recent experience at the Philadelphia Flyers training camp brought out some nerves.  “It was my first NHL camp as a forward.  It was a head-turner, and it flew by because of the nerves.”

“I felt comfortable right away, knowing some faces.  To get an invite to skate with guys like Vinnie Lecavalier and even the guys I’m familiar with like the Schenn’s and (Sean) Couturier, it was exciting and fun.”

The 28-year old is happy to have finally found a home with Adirondack, having signed with the Club for a second straight year.  He had previously made one-year stops in Hamilton, Charlotte, and Albany.  “Moving around is tough, having to make roster spots and new friends each season.  I knew when I signed with the Flyers organization though that this would be a great fit for me.”

The Fans agree.  Last year, “Fitzy” as he is known to Phantoms faithful, was the recipient of the Phantoms’ IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award which recognizes one player from each AHL team for outstanding contributions within their community.  “It was a huge honor for me.  I try to reach out to the fans and make them feel apart of things, because they are.”

It is not uncommon to see Fitzgerald toss pucks, shirts, and even sticks over the boards to fans.  “I remember what it was like as a kid to go to the games.  I am a fan of hockey, and loved the experience.  Some of these fans come every game to support us.  They get me excited to play and I try to show the love back whenever I can.”

Fitzgerald will try to do just that in 2013-14.  Adirondack hasn’t made the playoffs since the team relocated from Philadelphia, something the enforcer looks to change. “My goal is to make sure everyone’s objective is to make the playoffs. I feel like it is one of those unwritten things that when you get a shot in the Flyers organization at any level, you should want to make the playoffs every season.”

That drive to win is something that has never been lost on the Twin Hills, Minnesota native who is about to enter his ninth season in the AHL.  “I have fun every day I play hockey, and I don’t think that is ever going to change.  I make sure everyone is having fun but at the same time working really hard.  I try to exemplify work ethic to the rookies and make them feel part of the team.”

Fitzgerald‘s hard work and dedication paid off in 2008 while playing for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, when he was told he had been called up by the Vancouver Canucks.  “The coach called me over, I didn’t know what he wanted to talk to me about,” recounted Fitzgerald.  “When he told me I was getting called up to play against Dallas, it was surreal.  I didn’t sleep much that night for sure.”  After his plane landed, all did not go as planned for Fitzgerald.  “I hoped to get to the arena early and hop on the ice for the pre-game skate, but my hockey bag never showed up.  We put a lot of other guys gear together for the game but I eventually got out there.  The coach kept tapping me on the shoulder and sending me on.  I got more playing time than expected, and got to slash (Mike) Modano in the shin pads.” 

With over 150 fighting majors to his credit, the AHL veteran’s toughest challenge each game, he says, is actually looking after his teammates.  “I want to make sure my teammates are looked after.  But at the same time you can’t worry about what you are going to face game in game out, you just have to play your game and help get the win.”

With physicality a large part of his game, does off-season training change for this enforcer?  “Overall I train like the other guys.  As for the fighting aspect, here and there I’ll get in the ring with an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and Muay Thai trainer. It’s all great for conditioning.  They make you go hard, it’s a great workout”.

With on-ice duties underway, Fitzgerald’s off-ice role as the Phantom’s Player Representative with the PHPA heats up as the season begins.  Fitzgerald attended the 2013 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives this past June which left a lasting impression. 

“It was an eye-opener.  There was a lot I didn’t know that I learnt quickly.  It was all stuff that I wish I had known and paid attention to more, and definitely something I am going to try and pass on wherever I can.”  

“The meetings were also really fun.  Someone called my name for karaoke, so I went up on stage and performed some Vanilla Ice.  I probably overstayed my welcome!  I love music, everything about it.  The guys often get to enjoy my air guitar solos.”

With off-season training behind him and opening puck drop closing in, Fitzgerald and the Adirondack Phantoms have some exciting hockey in store for fans to look forward to.