Blake Zielinski is a 2008-born rookie forward for the Buccaneers. He was the Bucs' first-round draft pick in 2024 and is committed to Providence College to play NCAA DI men's hockey.

Zielinski is from Berlin, N.J. (pop. 7,534), a town about 20 miles southeast of downtown Philadelphia. His family was not big into hockey, other than his older brother's casual street hockey games with friends. Zielinski first found a passion for the sport when the Flyers played the Blackhawks in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, Patrick Kane scoring an overtime game-winning goal to win the Cup for Chicago. Growing up, Zielinski played for the Flyers Elite AAA club in Philadelphia.
 

In his 15U season, Zielinski transitioned to play for the North Jersey Avalanche AAA club for the 2023–2024 season. That year, he led his team in scoring with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 22 games played during the regular season. He earned AYHL All-American Forward honors and led his team to the AYHL Championship. The Bucs selected Zielinski in the 2024 USHL Phase I Draft in the first round, third overall.

Zielinski began the 2024–2025 season with his AAA team, tallying 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 13 games played. He was called up to play in Des Moines as an affiliate player, then joined the team full-time in late December. He has been a welcome addition to the Bucs, bringing impressive talent and skill as the youngest member of the team.
 

"We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some talented young players the past few years," Head Coach and General Manager Matt Curley said. "In keeping with that trend, Blake has lived up to those expectations (and then some) since joining us at Christmas. A tremendous talent, he has excelled in his on-ice performance with his work ethic both on and off the ice. It is not by accident that BZ has had the year that he's had with his commitment to his craft and the support of his teammates. With that being said, we believe he is just getting going and are excited to see him take the next step in his game."

The USHL has given Zielinski the unique opportunity to grow and develop at a higher level than many players his age. Over the past few months, Zielinski has grown immensely in his hockey IQ and physicality on the ice. He has also learned to adapt to playing in a new environment across the country from his family and friends, building off-ice habits to support his development and training like a professional daily. The Bucs look forward to seeing Zielinski continue to develop at the USHL level and beyond over the next few years.