Zack Freimuth worked out four days a week for two hours a day this past summer at Tactic Sports Performance in Glenview. The workouts were meticulously adapted for hockey players. Not just any hockey player, but one of the most dynamic, skilled, high-powered forwards in Illinois, arguably the best forward playing Illinois High School Hockley this season.

The specialized gym sessions stressed improvements in strength and conditioning – and the sweat-filled results shine on the Glenbrook South record. The Titans are 9-3 in SHL play and have won 6 of their last 7 league games and were a perfect 4-0 at the inaugural SHL Showcase, held Nov. 10-12 in Mount Prospect.

Freimuth leads the team with 14 goals, 13 assists in 12 league games played, including 3 powerplay goals – and his 27 points are most in the league, too.

“He’s a beast, one heckuva hockey player,” said Cathedral Prep head coach Mark Sprickman, whose Pennsylvania team fell 3-1 to the Titans in the Showcase.

GBS was a dominant force, led by Freimuth, against all foes in the Showcase, as the Titans finished the 3-day, 4-game weekend event with a 4-0 record, outscoring their Showcase foes 23-3, and their +20 goal-differential was the best of all 16 participating teams.

“I cannot say enough about Zach … his work ethic is like no other,” said GBS head coach Jim Philbin. “He has put in the time and effort, from day one. The off-ice effort particularly.”

A senior, Freimuth is a 4-year varsity skater who centers the team’s top line with sophomore left wing Blake Hoffer and senior right wing Nick Ventura.

Freimuth, 18, who lives in Glenview, played his youth hockey for the Glenview Stars and the Winnetka Warriors. He was the South alternate captain as a sophomore and captain the past two seasons. He also has claimed All-State and All-SHL accolades and has been an SHL All-Star. Plus, he has won the GBS Hockey Varsity Coaches’ Award and been an SHL Academic Award-winner.

“Zack means so much to the entire program, not just this team,” Philbin said. “He’s down to earth and truly cares about every one of our players, especially this year, his senior year.

“I remember him as a freshman, admittedly a little nervous playing (alongside) juniors and seniors, but he adapted so well. He asked questions, got familiar with his teammates and was, and still is, an absolute team player. He’s a phenomenal leader.”

He is an on-ice general who carries a team and controls a game. Sure, he’s better at hockey than baseball or golf, the two other varsity sports he plays for the Titans, but it’s the off-ice Freimuth who truly is an all-star.

His goal is to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy next fall – and he’s driven to soar there, too.

“I am inspired to work every day with purpose, collaborate with people who have strong character and values and put country before self,” he said. “Specifically, I want to become a fighter pilot and protect the freedom and opportunity that this country stands for. I (want) to be a part of something bigger than myself, where effort, hard work and sacrifice create the strongest team in the world.”

For the next few months, the team Freimuth will be carrying is the blue and yellow-clad Titans, as South looks to win its first-ever SHL championship and win its first Illinois High School Hockey State Championship since 2006.

Yep, the Titans last celebrated on the United Center ice about 5 months after Freimuth was born.

“Zack puts his heart and effort into everything he does,” Philbin said. “I think he’s the best player in the state this year. He got there from hard work. Teams try to key on him and he understands that.”

No Illinois team will be saying, ‘Yeah, we didn’t know about this Zack Freimuth player ...’ And for foes such as Cathedral Prep, well, one shift in and they too knew Freimuth must be stopped, if possible.

“It’s a rewarding feeling because it took years of hard work to arrive at this point,” Freimuth said. “However, I’m never satisfied and always strive to be better. I’m ready to prove something every time I touch the ice.”

That absolutely includes this Wednesday, November 22, when Glenbrook South faces its arch-rival Glenbrook North in the annual night-before-Thanksgiving battle that is, arguably, the most prestigious game of the Illinois high school hockey regular-season.

The battle starts at 6 p.m., at Centennial Ice Rink in Wilmette with a raucous, standing-room-only crowd expected once again.

“I grew up watching that game and dreamt of playing in it,” said Freimuth who, as a sophomore, helped GBS win the annual rivalry game, breaking a 16-year drought of Spartan victories. “It was an amazing moment for our program and community; I was grateful to be a part of it.”

Last year in the rivalry game, Freimuth scored the first goal against Glenbrook North, in the first period, which he said ranks as his all-time favorite goal as it “set the tone for the rest of the game. Our defense and goalie were outstanding, so we knew grabbing that early lead was crucial. Seeing the puck hit the back of the net is a moment I’ll never forget.”

The Titans won 2-0 in 2022.

“I’m excited for Zack for (the rivalry game), but I know it will be emotional,” Philbin said.

The right-handed shooting Freimuth is a speedy, skilled scorer and dynamic passer. “I look to push the pace and get my teammates involved because the puck moves faster than I can,” he said. “I rely on my creativity to throw off defenses. The SHL is too talented to score goals by strictly moving north and south. I work hard to implement moves and strategies that can create time and space for me and my linemates.”

His ability to trick defensemen comes naturally. He was a defenseman when he started at South. He was converted to forward as a freshman.

His biggest improvement from last season has been goal-scoring, thanks to offseason work to improve his shot and decision-making around the net. “I skate every week with Coach Sean White (of SP Hockey Development) and he played a huge part in my shooting development,” Freimuth said. “He puts together great drills that put me in uncomfortable situations and helped take my shot to the next level.

“With the help of my family, coaches, and teammates, I have improved tremendously since my freshman season. In addition to being bigger, faster and stronger, my approach to the game is different. I am more confident with the puck on my stick. I feel like I can dictate the speed of the game now, whereas freshman year I was just trying to keep up. I also think more strategically, considering the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition to give my team an edge.”

Even when facing opposing team’s top lines every shift.

“It’s tough, every top line in the SHL is so talented. However, I love the challenge and am grateful for the opportunity to battle the best every night. I am confident that when my line sticks to our game, we can outplay any line in the state,” Freimuth said. “There are several talented players who deserve praise (as the best player this season in Illinois) more than I do. However, it’s an honor to even be in that conversation. The caliber of players who have been called ‘the best’ in the past were all incredible, so to be in that conversation is a dream-come-true. However, I’m more focused on producing for my team and leading them to success.”

Freimuth is motivated to succeed by his competitiveness and his teammates. “They are counting on me to deliver every game,” he said. “Additionally, every time I put on the South jersey, I am reminded of the fantastic school and community that I am representing. My teammates and community motivate me to give everything I have, while doing it with honor and respect.”

His sporting passion flows onto the GBS baseball field, where Freimuth was a varsity outfielder last spring and, for the first time, on the varsity golf team this past fall.

“I’ve met some of my best friends through baseball and we’ve stayed teammates for many years. I had a blast playing and was proud to earn a starting spot in the playoffs,” Freimuth said.

His passion for golf, along with that of hockey teammate Marty McAuley, drove them to the South golf team as seniors – though Freimuth knew it’d require a talk with Philbin before the season started as he’d miss the annual Preseason Tournament due to golf.

“Marty and I love playing golf during our free time,” Freimuth said. “We tried out for the team as freshmen, but unfortunately had to leave the golf program due to conflicts with hockey. During the summer we decided that since it’s our senior year, we should try out for the varsity team. We both made it and had a great time representing Glenbrook South. Even though he’s a little better than me, we were paired up for a couple matches which was super fun. My linemate, Nick Ventura, is the captain of the golf team, so it was also great playing with him and learning skills from an elite player.

“Coach Philbin was incredibly supportive of my decision to try-out for the golf team. He loves multi-sport athletes and supports his players in their interests outside of hockey.”

Freimuth’s off-ice life also includes being the vice president of the GBS student council, a position that “means a lot to me because it’s a way to get involved in my school and community.” For instance, he is involved with the annual GBS canned food drive that supports local families during the holiday season. “I love being a part of something bigger than myself, and contributing to an event that will have a positive impact on my community.”

So, who is Zack Freimuth?

“I think people would be surprised to know how hard I work to maximize my potential,” he said. “I’ve never been the most talented player. I never played AAA hockey and sometimes didn’t even make my top AA team. It’s never been easy for me to find success, but failure has driven me to work harder.”

South is grabbing the glory of Freimuth’s drive. The Titans have already defeated New Trier Green, York and Saint Ignatius, among others. Their only league losses so far have been against Saint Viator and Loyola Gold (twice).

“We are a tight group with lots of team chemistry,” Freimuth said. “The locker room is always lively and full of energy, which makes it fun to come to the rink. Every guy has bought into the culture we’re building at GBS. We’re a family that pushes each other to be the best version of ourselves. This mentality will help this team reach its potential. 

“Our strength is speed. Our transition game is quick, and when we are moving pucks, we are a tough team to slow down. We are also a resilient group. This team doesn’t hang their heads or make excuses when things don’t go our way. We stick together and keep working to grab the next goal.”

And yes, their goal is two-fold: win the SHL Championship and the IHSHL State Championship. “It’s been 18 long years since GBS has raised hardware at the United Center, and our goal is to bring that championship back home for our community. This group has the potential to go all the way (in) March,” Freimuth said. “My goal is to lead my team to a couple of championships in March, (which would) mean more to me than any (personal) award or accolade.”

 

 

THE GAME

Glenbrook North vs. Glenbrook South

Game Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Centennial Park Ice Rink in Wilmette

Storyline: GBS has won the past two years, but GBN is red-hot. The Spartans are tied for the SHL lead with New Trier Green (26 points apiece) and have won 11 of their past 12 league games.

Players To Watch:

GBS: Forward Zack Freimuth (12 goals, 14 assists); defenseman Marty McAuley (3 goals, 16 assists, including a team-leading 8 powerplay assists); forward Blake Hoffer (5 goals, 13 assists); and Wyatt Sherwood (7 goals, 7 assists).

 

GBN: Goalie Michael Reyderman has a 1.94 goals-against average in his first 14 SHL games this season. Forwards Noah Masinter (10 goals, 13 assists, including 3 goals, 7 assists on the powerplay); Anthony Rafalowski (6 goals, 12 assists); and Ryan Sandler (7 goals, 9 assists)

 

Fun Facts From Freimuth:

·         Enjoys country music and often goes out driving, “to relax and think about many aspects of my life,” he said.

·         Is not a superstitious hockey player but is big on routines. He eats pasta and a banana before every game. “This allows me to stay energized throughout an entire game,” he said. “In addition, I go through my off-ice and on-ice warmups the same way every time. Routines are crucial to getting my mind right prior to puck drop.”

Prediction: The Titans notch the hat trick: three consecutive wins over the Spartans. Blake Hoffer will have a pair of assists, including the game-winner by Wyatt Sherwood with less than 3:00 to play in regulation time. GBS wins, 3-2.