Jimmy Zinter, a former USPHL and EHL player, has committed to George Mason Hockey for next year, adding size and skills that will help the team compete in its first season in ACHA Division I.  

At 6’5” and 200 pounds, the 21-year-old defenseman comes to Mason with 134 games of junior hockey experience, during which he collected 31 points. 

"Jimmy is a big, tough defenseman who plays the game hard and is one of those players that forwards hate to play against,” said Mason Coach Alex Grose. “His maturity and ability to set the tone for the team is going to be a huge addition to our locker room.”

Head Coach Steve Hyjek said Zinter will add to the solid foundation Mason has built over the years and will help in its efforts to be a strong competitor in Division I.

“He brings the skills, the desire to compete and the quality of character we seek in candidates to be a part of our program,” Hyjek said.

A Leesburg, Va., native, Zinter played for Bishop O'Connell High School under Coach Flip Collins, who now also helps scout talent for Mason.

"Jimmy is one of the most determined and driven hockey players I have ever coached,” Collins said. “He will make everyone around him a better player." 

Zinter left O’Connell after two years to play junior hockey with the Islanders Hockey Club in the USPHL. After two seasons, he signed with the East Coast Wizards of the EHL. After a season and a half with the Wizards, Zinter finished his junior career with the Seahawks Hockey Club, also in the EHL, due to a trade deadline move.  

Grose said that Zinter has always been more of a defensive defenseman, because of his size.

“His decision to play with us is going to give him the chance to develop the offensive aspect of his game and become a force on both sides of the red line," Grose predicted. 

Zinter said that Mason’s coaching staff already has made him feel like a part of the family.

“Being part of a top program with great coaches and teammates is what hockey is all about,” Zinter said. “I’m equally excited to study at the GMU School of Business and about the many internship and career opportunities in the capital region.”

George Mason will soon release its 2020-21 game schedule, which will be available at www.gmuicehockey.com.