

The Green Bay Gamblers are in the hunt for a fifth Clark Cup in franchise history, posting a record of 28-13-3-1 through 45 games played, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Gamblers are being led by 19-year-old forward Zach Wooten.
Through 44 games, Wooten has recorded 23 goals and 19 assists, leading the Gamblers in both goals and points with 42. Wooten has found a high level of consistency in his game, showcased by his best season to date in the United States Hockey League.
“I think it’s just being more consistent. That was something I struggled with in my first few years in the league,” Wooten said. “It goes back to moving my feet and being physical, to help myself generate chances.”
During the 2024-25 season, Wooten appeared in 49 games, playing 13 games with the Omaha Lancers before finishing up the season with 36 games in Green Bay. For the year, Wooten recorded 11 goals and seven assists.
“I’m more experienced in this league now, and I put together a really strong summer of training,” Wooten said. “I’m a lot more confident now, and I think that’s a big tribute to my success this year.”
After picking up a 5-0 victory against the Lincoln Stars on Saturday evening, where he recorded his 23rd goal of the 2025-26 campaign, the Gamblers picked up their 60th point of the season, surpassing the 58 points they recorded last year when they finished sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
“We added a few new guys to our team, to go along with a strong group of returning players that has allowed us to match pretty well,” Wooten said. “We have a really good group, we’ve worked on our culture, and that’s translating to our on-ice success.”
With 17 games to go, Wooten is focused on helping to lead the Gamblers out of a crowded Eastern Conference. The Gamblers sit one point back of third place, two points back of second place and eight points behind the first place, Youngstown Phantoms.
“We’re going to make a push, we have full belief in the room that our team can go on a run,” Wooten said. “We just need to have consistent weeks and practices to prepare ourselves for the remaining games.”
Earlier this year, Wooten announced his commitment to continue his hockey career at the University of Wisconsin for the 2026-27 season.
“They were my number one option. After going on a visit there, I just really loved the school,” Wooten said. “I’m really looking forward to being a Badger. They have a great rink. I’m really excited to get to play in the Kohl Center.”
When asked about his goals for his future playing career, Wooten is focused on bringing a title back to Green Bay, while also continuing to take the next steps to achieve his lifelong goal of going professional.
“I want to win the Clark Cup with this group,” Wooten said. “I want to get drafted to the National Hockey League this summer and then go to Wisconsin and have a really successful collegiate career.”
The Gamblers return to action on Friday, Feb. 20, when they travel to Dubuque to take on the Fighting Saints. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.