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The Chisago Lakes Hockey Association celebrated the life and memory of Zac Bartz on January 27, 2026, by awarding the 12th annual ZacStrong award. The award is a tribute to Zac and his passion for life, the sport of hockey and the Chisago Lakes community.

Each year, coaches of CLHA nominate athletes during the season that demonstrate virtues which Zac lived his life by - courage, strength, bravery, humility, faith and love.

At the close of each season, coaches nominate one athlete that has excelled throughout the season for their positive attitude, work ethic, and the spirit with which they embrace hockey.  The 2026 nominees included players from each team who overcame challenges, made great improvement through hard work, and deserve recognition for the encouragement and support they gave their teammates.

This year's nominees were:  Torger Olson (Bantam A), Kolton Glyer (Bantam B2), Parker Sondrol (PeeWee A), Brad Flaherty (PeeWee B2), Ethan Yechout (Squirt A), James Enebak (Squirt B1), Hunter Villella (Squirt C), Hank Schmidt (Mite 4 Green), Hudson Hagen (Mite 3 Gold), Hudson Keep (Mite 3 Black), Sullivan Brown (Mite 2 White), Asher Werthman (Mite 2 Red), and Lilia Paquay (8U).

The overall winner of the ZacStrong award this year is PeeWee A player Parker Sondrol.  

Parker's coach, 2016 ZacStrong winner Tate Swanson, nominated Parker, and said “At every practice, in every drill and in every game Parker gives 100 percent.  He exemplifies what it means to play with heart and never backs down from a challenge.  He is a quiet leader, selfless teammate and great role model.”  Congratulations Parker on being Chisago Lakes Hockey Association's 2026 ZacStrong Award winner!

Zac’s parents, Nathan and Carol Ann, awarded medals to the finalists and the ZacStrong trophy to Parker.  The Chisago Lakes Hockey Association would like to thank all of this year's winners for their contributions to hockey and the Chisago Lakes community, and encourage all athletes to live the ZacStrong way!

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