NOTE TO GRADER: Some of this is from a template, please subtract 600 words from my total.

Welcome to the Vancouver Whalers “Know a Whaler Rookie” series! As with many new players to a team and league everyone is a bit curious about who they are as a player and a person. Our goal here at the Vancouver Herald is to make our hometown team a staple in your everyday life. In this continuing series reporters are going to ask a series of questions to all of our newer players in the hopes that their answers can shed some light on the questions we all have. With that being said, let’s get to it!

- Can you share with us a bit of information about your family?
I live with both of my parents and my grandfather, my dad’s dad. My dad works as a ranger and my mom is a school teacher. My grandfather is retired. He played pro hockey when he was younger, just in the minors.
- Do you have a favorite number? Why is it your favorite?
24; it’s the number my grandfather wore in his playing years.
- Do you know what number you will be wearing with the Whalers?
Yes! The team gave me 24!
- Do you have any nicknames? If so how did you get it?
Most people just call me Zeb, I don’t really have any other nicknames. Well I have one or two from my teammates that I don’t think you can print.
- Who is your all time hockey idol?
My grandfather.
- Could you share with us one of your best hockey memories?
Winning the New Hampshire high school championship.
- When did you start skating? (Or were you born laces tied?)
Pretty much as soon as I started to walk.
- Do you have a favorite actor or actress?
Maika Monroe
- What kind of music do you like?
I like all kinds, but I’ve been listening to a lot of synthwave lately.
- Do you have a favorite singer or group at the moment?
Dan Avidan is one of my favorites.
- If you could eat a meal with anyone alive or dead who would it be?
Ooh, that’s a tough one.  You know what, I’m going with Chef Ramsey, just so I could try some of his food.
- What is something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to find out?
I speak pretty good French.
- What is the person you admire most throughout your hockey career?
Definitely my grandfather. He’s taught me so much and been there every step of the way.
- Is there something you have with no monetary value, but has the most value to you?
A journal my family has created of my hockey career.
- Is there any chore that if you could you would never do again?
Shoveling snow.
- If you could do any other job aside from professional hockey what would you do and why?
That’s another tough one, that is all I have ever thought of doing.  I like being outside and hiking though, so maybe a ranger like my dad?
- What is your favorite place you have ever visited?
I didn’t travel much as a kid, but I loved going to the Lost River, which isn’t far from where I grew up. I worked there last summer.
-What is a place that you want to visit, but have not been to yet?
I would love to see the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Do you have any hockey superstitions or pre-game rituals?
I don’t think so. I do like to make sure I am dressed early so I can relax and listen to music before the coach somes in.
- What was your favorite toy as a child?
Legos. Especially the Bionicles.
- Who is your biggest cheerleader?
Because my parents work so much, only my grandfather is at every game, but when my mom is there you can probably hear her in Vancouver.
- Do you do anything to stay busy when travelling between games?
I have a Nintendo Switch, a few of my teammates do as well. We play Smash Brothers a lot, but I am terrible at that.
- Do you have any favorite quotes or mottos?
My dad always told me to ignore trash talkers and he would say “Better well done than well said, ” I like that one. I think it was George Washington who said that?
- It was Ben Franklin.
Oh, right.
- Have you always played the same position you currently play throughout your life
When I first played in a league they moved me around a bit but I ended up on defense pretty quick and have stayed there since.
- If you could choose anyone to be your hockey spirit coach, who would it be?
My grandfather. Wait, I don’t want him to be a spirit. So, maybe his dad? He played up in Canada for a long time.
- So you have a long family history of hockey?
I do! His father played as well, and even my mom played. My dad got drafted but was unable to play.
- Do you have a favorite TV show?
I love the Try Guys.
- Do you already know anyone on the Vancouver Whalers?
I do not.
- Do you know anyone else in the SMJHL?
Unfortunately, no. I think my teammate Cal would’ve got drafted but he is going the college route instead.
- Do you have a rival?
I don’t think so.
- What would you describe your play style as?
My coach one said I was great at keeping the score exactly the same, and I think he meant it as a compliment?
- Do you play any other sports other than hockey?
I ski and hike, and played baseball and soccer.
- Outside of this time, have you ever been to Vancouver before?
I have not.
- Do you speak any other languages? If so what?
I am fairly good with French.
- How do you feel about being drafted by Vancouver?
I’m excited and nervous. It’s an amazing city but it’s a lot bigger than where I grew up. I know they have some great hockey fans here.
- What is your pump up song?
There was a meme on the internet with an Indian song called Malahari. I like to listen to that one before a game.
- What do you think about the current competition around the league?
It’s probably better than ever.
- Do you have a special someone out there currently?
I do not.
- What are your goals for this season?
I’d love to see the Whalers make the playoffs and I want to be a part of that.

Well, there you have it folks! Now you know a little bit about Zebulon Leavitt. With the season getting into full swing we have a great chance to get to know these guys a little bit better and we hope you will continue to join us for our Know a Player segment. Thanks again for helping us cheer on our Vancouver Whalers and don’t forget to get out and support them at every home game!

Reminder TO GRADER: Some of this is from a template, please subtract 600 words from my total.