Penn-Trafford profile: Senior hockey player Ben Zierski
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Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 11:01 AM
Penn-Trafford's Ben Zierski
Q: Do you play another sport?
A: Yes, I play golf but not on a team.
Q: What is your best round and where?
A: I shot a 39 at Manor Valley.
Q: How old were you when you started playing hockey?
A: I was 4. I did not like it at the beginning, but my mom told me she would buy me a toy car if I stayed. Once I learned the skills, I liked it. I started playing for the Allegheny Badgers when I was 5.
Q: What is your most memorable moment in hockey?
A: Probably going to the nationals when I played for the 15U Allegheny Badgers. We finished second.
Q: Did you have any other memorable moments?
A: When I scored the tying goal against Bishop McCort last year in the PIHL quarterfinals. I ended up scoring an empty-net goal.
Q: What are the strengths of the Penn-Trafford team?
A: We have a great system, good coaching, strong power play. We are strong, and we are deep.
Q: What happened in the loss to Shaler?
A: We did not have a great game. We were missing players, but I believe we can beat them.
Q: Who is the best player you have ever played against?
A: Cole McKinney. He was drafted by the Sharks last year. He was from Chicago. You could tell he was a special player. He was the one you always watched during the game.
Q: Who is your favorite hockey player>
A: Sidney Crosby. I grew up watching him make plays.
Q: What is your prediction for the Penguins?
A: To play bad enough to draft Penn State’s Gavin McKenna.
Q: What is your favorite sports movie and your favorite scene?
A: “Happy Gilmore.” When Happy made the putt on No. 18 to beat Shooter McGavin.
Q: What is your favorite hockey movie?
A: “Miracle.” I like it a lot.
Q: Have you ever met a famous hockey player?
A: I met Kris Latang.
Q: What hockey equipment smells the most?
A: The gloves. Goalie equipment is bad.
Q: Have you ever had a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist and a fight)?
A: I wish.
Q: What famous person would you like to have lunch with and what would you talk about?
A: Tom Brady and we would talk about his Super Bowl wins and where he got drafted.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Penn-Trafford
