Zeev Buium, a promising young defenseman in the NHL, recently shared his insights on hockey culture during an appearance on the Canucks Insider Podcast. The 20-year-old was drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft but was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in December.
Achievements and Early Career
Buium has already built an impressive resume. His accolades include:
- Back-to-back World Junior Championships with Team USA
- NCAA Championship with the University of Denver
- A World Championship title this past summer
His early experiences in various winning teams have significantly shaped Buium’s understanding of team culture and success.
Emphasis on Team Culture
During his podcast interview, Buium emphasized the importance of a strong team culture. He stated, “Every single one of those teams, it’s like the same thing… it’s the same culture.” His time at the University of Denver has been particularly influential.
Under the guidance of head coach David Carle, Buium learned that fitting into a positive culture is crucial for success. He remarked, “It doesn’t matter who you are… if you’re not the kind of person that is going to fit in that culture, then they’d rather take somebody else.”
A Unique Path to College Hockey
Buium’s journey to college hockey began early. He accelerated his education to become eligible for NCAA play at just 17 years old. Joining the team with his older brother, Shai, he faced the challenges of college athletics head-on.
Coach Carle’s structured approach helped all players feel valued and supported. “No one’s getting more than another guy… no one’s going to get off easier than other guys,” Buium noted.
Looking Ahead
Buium’s commitment to the University of Denver stemmed from a long-standing appreciation for the program, dating back to his first visit at age 13. He credits the program’s belief in him for accelerating his development.
As he embarks on his first full NHL season, Buium believes the coaching he received at Denver paved the way for his current success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided, stating, “The way that they taught me… and trusting me and letting me figure it out.”
Next Game
The Vancouver Canucks are set to play the Seattle Kraken tonight at 7:30 p.m. P.T. Listeners can catch more from Buium in his conversation with Chris Faber on the latest Canucks Insider Podcast episode.
