Hockey has taken former Flin Flon Bomber Zane Kalemba all over the world.
The ex-goaltender from New Jersey is now scouting and coaching for USA Hockey and some youth and high school teams in the New Jersey area.
Kalemba hung up his pads after last season following a six-year pro career. He spent two years in North American pro leagues. He then embarked on a hockey journey that saw him play a season each in Poland, Slovakia, Denmark and England.
“The best part of playing overseas was the off-ice experiences of learning about different countries, languages and cultures while getting to meet great people from all over Europe,” Kalemba said. “It really opens your mind to see and learn about new ideas and traditions, and travelling is definitely something I have become very fond of over the last 15 years of my life.”
He is definitely used to putting on the miles for hockey and meeting new people. Kalemba attended the Hotchkiss School, a Connecticut institution that attracts students from around the world. He went on to play junior hockey in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Alberta, and finally Flin Flon (2005-06).
“I enjoyed most the atmosphere of the Whitney Forum,” Kalemba said. “Always a very energetic, and exciting place to play, no matter who the opponent. The passion of our fans for the Bombers and the sport of hockey was incredible.”
Following his time with the Bombers, Kalemba played four seasons at Princeton University in New Jersey. He graduated with honours with a sociology degree.
Kalemba said making it to the NCAA Division I tournament in two of his four seasons with the Tigers helped him earn a free-agent invite to the main training camp of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
That led to time the Central Hockey League, American Hockey League, and ECHL before he headed overseas.
