Sharp hones both his focus and energy, proving opposites attract on ice.
Focused and energetic. Shy yet open. They seem like opposites, even an oxymoron when applied to a person. But that's how Western Michigan's Zack Sharp describes himself.
A Chicagoland native, Sharp started off his college career red hot in 2024-25. First, he won a National Championship with the Western Michigan Broncos. That summer, Sharp was selected in the 4th Round (124th Overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. Attending Sharks' Development Camp helped Sharp with the off-ice portion of his game.
"I learned how to be a pro," Sharp said. "The day to day life, how to treat your body, eat well, train, just thing like that. It was lot of stuff off ice."
He certainly put those skills to use, more than doubling his point total from 9 to 19 during his 2025-26 sophomore season. Sharp's implementation comes from his balanced personality away from the rink.
"I'm energetic, but very dialed in to like my craft," says Sharp. "I am very focused and very determined on what I want but it can come off as a little quiet, little shy at first, but I open up once in a while."
Apr 12, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Western Michigan Broncos forward Wyatt Schingoethe (18) celebrates with defenseman Zack Sharp (10) forward Tim Washe (16) and forward Iiro Hakkarainen (22) after scoring against the Boston University Terriers during the first period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesSharp told me his decision to attend Western Michigan was based its distance from his home in Chicago Suburbs and the Broncos' track record of moving players on to the next level.
Equally as important to Sharp as his preparation and performance is his mental health by taking time away from the rink.
"It's good to get the mental health right away from the rink," Sharp said. "It's really long, demanding season, so it's good to get a get away, give it up for a little bit."
Entering his junior year this Fall for the Broncos, Sharp has a message for the team that drafted him. "I know my game a lot more. I am understanding what my strengths are, knowing that I'm not going to be a 30 point guy, but rather that guy breaks the puck out and skates up the ice and makes the easy play."