Zach Fucale, born on May 28, 1995, in Laval, Quebec, has had an impressive career as a professional goalie. His journey has taken him from the junior leagues in Canada to the professional leagues in North America and now to the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk.
Fucale’s pro career began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Halifax Mooseheads. He was drafted 11th overall in the 2011 QMJHL Entry Draft and quickly made a name for himself. In his rookie season, he set a QMJHL record for most wins by a rookie with 32 and was named to the QMJHL all-rookie team. His performance earned him the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as the defensive rookie of the year.
In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Fucale was selected 36th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. He continued to excel in the QMJHL, becoming the Mooseheads' all-time leader in wins and helping them capture their first President's Cup and Memorial Cup in 2013. The goalie’s success in junior hockey led to his inclusion in the Canadian national team, where he won gold at the 2015 World Junior Championships on home soil.
Fucale’s professional career in North America saw him play for various teams in the American Hockey League and the ECHL. He had stints with the St. John’s IceCaps, Brampton Beast, Laval Rocket, and the Hershey Bears. Despite his talent, Fucale faced challenges in securing a permanent spot in the NHL, playing only a few games for the Washington Capitals.
In 2023, Fucale made the decision to move to the KHL, signing with Traktor Chelyabinsk. This move marked a new chapter in his career, and he quickly adapted to the league. Fucale’s performance in the KHL has been nothing short of remarkable. He became a key player for Traktor, helping them reach the playoffs and making significant contributions throughout the season.
Fucale’s impact was most evident during the 2023-2024 Gagarin Cup playoffs. He played a crucial role in Traktor’s deep playoff run, showcasing his skills and determination. Unfortunately, his playoff journey was cut short due to an injury sustained in a collision with Lokomotiv’s Maxim Shalunov. This incident occurred during the semifinal series, and Fucale’s absence was felt by the team. Despite the setback, his performance in the playoffs was highly praised, and he was considered one of the standout players for Traktor.
Fucale’s skills and determination were on full display as he returned to the ice for the 2024-2025 season. He had an excellent start to the campaign, most recently recording a 3:0 shutout win in a game against SKA, where he made a fantastic save on Mikhail Grigorenko – a highlight already being considered a candidate for the save of the year. This performance highlighted his ability to bounce back from adversity and continue to excel at the highest level. Fucale had 38 saves that night, as he recorded his seventh shutout in the league.
Zach Fucale’s journey from North America to the KHL has been filled with challenges and triumphs. His dedication to the sport and his ability to perform under pressure have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. As he continues to make his mark in the KHL with Traktor, his new coach Benoit Groulx will make a bet on him to replicate last year’s success.