Cara Zubko’s career in hockey began at an early age and skyrocketed through the years. Her love of the game has kept her goals in line as she continues her hockey career.
The Preeceville native is currently taking her hockey career to a new high by playing with the Ohio State team. She was accepted to play for Ohio four years ago where she is studying with a major in agricultural business and economics and a minor in communications in natural resources. She expects to be graduating on May 8.
Zubko, who is a senior defenseman for the Ohio State women's hockey team, and has used that platform to help improve communities both in Columbus and halfway around the world in Vietnam. She was nominated for the 2016 BNY Mellon Wealth Management Hockey Humanitarian Award. She was one of the first 18 nominees from men's and women's college hockey across the USA. She did not make the final five cut but said she was very honoured to have been nominated.
The Preeceville native traveled to Vietnam in the summer of 2013 through the Coach for College program. Students and athletes from universities across United States joined forces with students from Vietnamese universities to teach impoverished kids life lessons through academics and athletics. Having the opportunity to show kids a better view of life and give them special experiences was the bedrock for her future work.
"The entire experience was life changing for me," said Zubko.
"My coach submitted my name and I feel very honoured and overwhelmed,” said Zubko. "Playing college hockey has opened many doors for me and despite this being my last year I am hopefull that other prospects for my future will work out for me. I want to play professional hockey and am currently working on deals with representatives in Switzerland and Sweden.”
Zubko has ranked fourth on the team with 17 points, including four goals. During her career, she has played on the Melville FoxFM Prairie Fire, Team Saskatchewan in the Canada Games and on the Pursuit of Excellence team in Kelowna, B.C.
"As for my hockey success, I would have to say that it was made possible because of my family and friends, along with hard work. You don't get anywhere in life without getting yourself there. I am fortunate to have played with each team when I did which made it possible to play the calibre of hockey I have played and I have had some amazing coaches along the way. Hard work is key though. I have trained, learned to eat healthier, and worked on ice and off to improve my skills.
“As far as family and friends go, I started playing hockey because of my brother and have had the support of my family and friends,” concluded Cara Zubko.
