Draft Diamonds: Zeev Buium
Meira Waldstreicher
The buzz surrounding the 2023 NHL Draft was undeniably justified. Connor Bedard, a rising star likened to The Great One Wayne Gretzky was slated as the first overall pick. His highlight reels flooded the social media feeds of sports fans, whether they followed hockey or not. With the Blackhawks holding the coveted first pick, Bedard’s name became ubiquitous throughout the area.
The NHL effectively marked him, rightfully placing him in the spotlight. However, a new challenge arises: reigniting that anticipation and excitement for this year’s draft.
Leading the pack as the projected first-overall pick is Macklin Celebrini, a seventeen-year-old prodigy commanding the center stage at Boston University.
While there are a few extremely talented players who will no doubt be taken early in the draft, I want to focus on one in particular: Zeev Buium.
Expected to be drafted in the top 25, Buium, a freshman at the University of Denver, exudes composure on the ice. Amidst overwhelming situations, he can decelerate the pace of the game and strategically outmaneuver opponents, reminiscent of Adam Fox’s finesse.
Zeev and his older brother, Shai, share a fascinating journey. Their parents met in the Israeli army during their national service. Miriam, their mother, once a professional basketball player in Israel, transitioned to a managerial role after an injury halted her career, instilling the family’s athletic prowess.
Their Israeli heritage, though uncommon in hockey circles, serves as a unique backdrop. Shai’s passion for the sport ignited after witnessing his cousin play, relentlessly begging his parents to play. Finally, they acquiesced. Soon after, their elder brother, Ben, laced up his skates, paving the way for Zeev’s introduction to the sport.
Miriam, embodying the quintessential hockey mom, brought her boys to practices, commuting hours daily.
Ben decided to attend Shattucks St. Mary. Although his time there was cut short due to an injury, Shai followed his lead, and later, at the age of thirteen, so did Zeev.
Shai was selected by the Detroit Red Wings at thirty-six overall in 2021-22. During his first couple of years, he brought home an NCAA Championship. Meanwhile, Zeev honed his skills at the USA National Team Development Program (NTDP), leaving a lasting impression with six points in seven games during the U.S. U-18 WJC gold medal triumph.
Zeev’s precocious talent transcends his years, currently a freshman in college at seventeen. He participated in the U-20 WJC in Sweden, contributing five points and helping the U.S. bring home gold.
Zeev is undoubtedly a Draft Diamond, embodying the brilliance akin to a physical diamond. With his talent and charm, he will bring clarity and win the hearts of fans wherever he lands.