Jack Ziliotto making his over-age season count in Trenton

Chasing his first junior championship, the 20-year-old forward is emerging as one of the OJHL’s top scorers

Amy Deroche / OJHL Images

Jack Ziliotto is making the most of his over-age season with the Trenton Golden Hawks.

The 20-year-old forward has been among the OJHL’s top scorers to start the season, tallying 37 points and nine goals in 19 games. His 27 assists lead the league.

While the Waterdown, Ontario, native’s junior hockey journey has taken him across the country, Ziliotto has a personal connection to the OJHL. His uncle, Grant, and cousin, Joshua, both suited up for the Burlington Cougars. The team he grew up watching.

“Some of my best friends are people I played hockey with growing up,” Ziliotto said. “Going to watch the junior team, you kind of want to play for them. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but hockey is so big there. It was awesome.”

After stints in both the OJHL and BCHL, Ziliotto earned a look in the OHL last season with the Sudbury Wolves.

“It was eye-opening,” he said. “Just seeing all the high-end talent was great. The coaching staff was great, too. Playing at that level really grew my game. Being a role player was new for me, but it made me more versatile than I was coming in.”

Over 28 games in Sudbury, Ziliotto recorded five goals and 14 points while appearing in four playoff contests.

That experience competing against some of the country’s top young players has translated into his dominant return to the OJHL.

Ziliotto chose Trenton for his final junior season out of respect for the organization and head coach Derek Smith, whose teams have built a reputation for consistently having success.

“The way he coaches, and the way you learn the game from him, it’s huge,” Ziliotto said. “He always puts together good teams every year. Guys want to win, so that’s why they come here. He helps them move on to the next level.”

“Playing in the OJHL at 16 and 17, I knew they were always a good team. It’s a tough place to play, especially on the road. The guys are great, we hang out a lot, and everyone’s got good billets, which is nice. I love it here.”

In his final junior season, Ziliotto is motivated to win a Buckland Cup.

“I just want to win, especially my last year,” he said. “I don’t have a ring yet, and they won last year. I know they’ve always had good teams. I came here to grow my game and win a championship.”