Solomon “Solly” Zandberg is a living example of what it looks like to faithfully give your all.

“Doing the best you can is the [most important] thing, and also just being a role model to others and showing them that nothing can really stop you.”

Zandberg is a second-year accounting student and a defenceman on the Redeemer University Royals hockey team. He has attended Christian schools all his life and has come to understand the value of doing life with other believers: “Being part of a Christian environment is important to me.” Zandberg wanted to study business, and since he has “always [been] a numbers guy,” accounting seemed to be the right fit. 

His plan entering university was to leave his 15-year-old interest in hockey behind. Yet, he decided to attend a tryout in his first year and has not looked back. He has since experienced a real sense of community on the team. 

“Everyone meshes so well,” Zandberg says. “It really is a blessing to be part of that group of guys … We build on more than just hockey; it’s like making brothers.”

Working as a Team

Outside of games, the team gets together four times a week, which includes two practices, one gym session and a team devotion, which he especially looks forward to.

“[It’s] just a good space where you’ve got guys you can trust and build more meaningful connections with.”

Whether it is in the classroom, at team devotions or at chapel, Zandberg has appreciated input from mentors and hearing how others approach their faith, adding that his coaches have been “the biggest part of it.” He says that the coaches are talented at helping the players excel and also care deeply about building the players up as people. They support the players all while upholding Redeemer athletics’ core values of faith, influence, teamwork and excellence and encouraging the pursuit of vertical purpose.

It’s a Royals hockey tradition to, after every game, go up to centre ice and pray as a team. The Royals always extend a no-pressure invite to the opposing team, and a lot of times, Zandberg says, they accept the invitation. “It’s a special moment … [Some teams] look forward to playing Redeemer just for moments like that.”

It was recently announced that the Royals were granted membership into the Upstate New York College Hockey League (UNYCHL), Division 2, within the American Athletic Union. This gives the Royals hockey team a 10-game season that includes a number of home games right in Hamilton. Zandberg is proud of his team for the hard work put in this past season to attain this achievement.

“This whole season in general was a lot of opportunity to build up the team and build something more, reaching for a higher level of hockey.” 

Excelling on the Ice

Zandberg was born with only one full arm, though he says his disability has not brought him much challenge.

“Everyone starts from zero, and you learn as you go. Other people might have someone else to look at, to learn from, where I figure it out on my own a little bit more so.”

To hold his hockey stick properly, Zandberg tucks the back end of his stick under his right arm, relying heavily on his left arm. 

Doing the best you can is the [most important] thing, and also just being a role model to others and showing them that nothing can really stop you.

Zandberg’s coaches are some of his biggest supporters. David Scholman, Royals hockey general manager, says that Zandberg’s dedication to excellence inspires his teammates.

“During Solomon’s time with the program he has worked to be a strong student, a reliable defenceman, and committed to growing in his faith without ever complaining … ” Scholman shares.

Isaiah Thornback ’23, former teammate and assistant coach of the Royals hockey team, confidently asserts that Zandberg will leave an enduring Royals hockey legacy.

“From the outside looking in, some might say his best attribute is his shot, and make no mistake he can rip a puck, but what Solly brings to the table best is his selfless devotion to his teammates,” Thornback says.

When Zandberg was asked about advice he has for young Christians considering a Redeemer education who think they might not fit the mould of a typical student, he had this to say:

“Feeling different shouldn’t make you feel like you don’t belong … Redeemer has such a variety of people, groups and areas to be involved with. Everyone can find belonging at Redeemer.”