Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Games played: 35
Points: 28 (G: 7, A: 21)
Plus/Minus: +2
Zajac was traded to Omaha from Cedar Rapids in late October after playing 101 games with the RoughRiders the past two seasons. The third-year defenseman from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a University of Denver recruit and is the USHL's most productive offensive defenseman with 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists). In seven games with Cedar Rapids he had just one assist; Zajac's other 28 points have been scored in a Lancers sweater.
Q: Have you always been an offensive-minded defenseman or do you just let that part come naturally?
A: I'm more offensive-minded and I've always been like that. I try to thrive on what I can do best to help the team. You have to have good instincts and be smart on your end. Take care of your own end first because from good defense you can set up your offense.
Q: Your name has been popping up on the score sheet quite a bit lately. What's been the biggest reason for your recent success?
A: I'm jumping a little more in the hole to get the puck and make things happen. The team has been playing well recently, too, and that's something we want to keep going.
Q: You get your first chance to play your former team on Friday. Have you been looking forward to playing them since you got to Omaha?
A: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking at the schedule and looking forward to playing those guys. I think it's going to be a little different and it will be nice to see the guys I was friends with for so long. I want to do the best I can against them but the most important thing for us is to win the game.
Q: What are one similarity and one difference between playing in Omaha and playing in Cedar Rapids?
A: What's similar is the winning tradition. Both organizations are high class and they really want to win. The biggest difference is the style of playing. There it was more defensive and tight, and here I have more freedom to move with the puck and not be afraid to make mistakes.
Q: What part of your game has improved the most since you became a Lancer almost four months ago?
A: More physical play. I wasn't doing that too much in the past, so I guess I have more of an edge to my game now. My offense has improved, too, because I'm getting more of a chance to do some of those things here. But I still have to be accountable for what I do and how I do it.
Q: When you're on special teams, is there more of that edge to your game or do you keep things balanced in all situations?
A: I try to do the same things and play the same way no matter how many guys are on the ice. You can't focus on one or the other. It won't work out right in the end.
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