Ice dream in the desert

Steve Addy

Wednesday, June 21, 2000 | 10:05 a.m.

Evan Zucker's uncommon hockey skills have allowed him to travel all around the United States and Canada, but mostly on weekend trips.

By the end of the summer, the 13-year-old Las Vegan might begin a far more permanent journey -- leaving home to live with a host family while he plays on a Western Hockey League developmental squad.

It is a rare opportunity, not only because the 18-team WHL rarely looks at prospects until they turn 15, but especially for a youngster who has lived in Las Vegas since he was 5. This city is not regarded as a hockey hotbed, though Zucker and others like him are starting to change that.

"As a parent, I have a few decisions to make," Evan's father, Scott Zucker, acknowledged. "I have to ask, 'Is he mature enough to leave home?' We will take everything into account and then decide."

For his part, Evan has already made up his mind.

"I'd love to go. It's hockey. I would not be nervous being away from home," he said, adding a laughing jab at younger brothers Adam and Jason: "At least I could get some peace and quiet."

Though he attends year-round school at Johnson Junior High, where he's a seventh grader, Zucker has spent much of the last few years flying to national tournaments, so he's used to being away from home. Normally accompanied by mother Natalie, a former figure skater, Zucker has played in New Orleans, Atlanta, Colorado Springs, Denver, Iowa, Texas, Arizona and Vancouver.

In Las Vegas, like many of his previous teams, Zucker plays against older players because he is so dominant against players his age, usually leading his team in scoring. He plays on the Titan 14-under team here and part-time for Team Dynamo in Southern California.

"Evan has all the tools to go as far as he wants. He is truly gifted," said Bill Burke, owner of Titan Stairs and sponsor of the Las Vegas Titans program. "He could become the first player from Las Vegas to play college hockey. He has a great opportunity in front of him."

It is an opportunity Zucker has earned, however. Since turning 13 on March 20, he has been on a hockey whirlwind, gaining invitations to prestigious camps and tournaments that have placed him squarely in the scouts' sights. He is versatile, equally skilled as a forward and defenseman.

Last month, Zucker was a standout at an elite age 13-14 camp in Vancouver. He was chosen to the U.S. all-star team, the first Nevada player to gain that distinction, and played against Canada in the championship game.

Zucker was the youngest player last weekend at a WHL camp in Spokane, Wash., and he was so good that after only one session, he was tabbed to play in the WHL Identification Tournament in July in British Columbia.

"That's quite a statement for a kid coming out of the desert," Burke said.

Zucker can't play in the WHL until he is 15, but can play for a WHL-affiliated Midget or Bantam club this year. By September, he could be living with a sponsor family in Washington or western Canada, putting him on the standard track to college or pro hockey.

Even if Zucker doesn't accept that invitation, other offers will come next year. He's 5-foot-7, 135, but not appreciably bigger than others his age, so his success isn't a matter of him being ahead of the growth curve. He is a fast, strong skater with the hands of a scorer, Burke said.

"If Evan keeps maturing like he has these last two years, the sky's the limit for him," Burke said. "He's got soft hands. Most truly skilled players have that. What he can do with the puck is magical.

"But another year in Las Vegas won't hurt Evan's skills or hurt his exposure. The (WHL) scouts will keep tabs on him regardless of where he plays, because now they know him, and they know he can play. He has a great future."