32 // VARSITY February 20, 2014
USHL. They meshed even though they hailed from
different regions of the country.
"We found out that we were roommates before
we came here," Barnes said, "so we were talking
over Facebook and kind of feeling each other out.
"Right away, I could tell that we were going to be
good friends because we had similar personalities.
We definitely took different routes (to Madison),
but hockey players have fairly similar personalities,
as is.
"When we met for the first time, we all had the
same thoughts on what we wanted."
At various times, Zengerle and Barnes have been
linemates. Last weekend, they were reunited with
Nic Kerdiles. The trio combined for 20 goals and 54
points over the final 14 games last season.
"The best part about it," Barnes said of playing
with Zengerle, "is when I have the puck I can give it
to him and skate away from people and he will give
it back to me. He has great vision."
Seeing the ice has always come naturally for
Zengerle, a former soccer player.
"I've always told people," he said, "that I played
soccer like I played hockey: make the passes. I don't
know if it's awareness I have. But I've always been
like that; looking around and being aware."
What sets him apart from many has been his
stickhandling ability.
"He can dangle a little bit," said Barnes. "I know
the fans love him. He's one of their favorites. He's
a little bit flashy and he plays with energy and pas-
sion. That's something the fans really notice."
Lately, if they've been paying attention, they will
notice that he's hunting his own shots more.
"I'm obviously pass-first, but I like to score, too.
Who doesn't?" Zengerle said. "It's a decent strength
of mine, not as decent as my passing, but anytime I
get a chance I try to look for it (his shot)."
Zengerle definitely sounded committed to shoot-
ing more. "Down the stretch," he said, "I just can't
be a passer and rely on everyone else to shoot it. I
made it a goal to put some in myself."
The Badgers have nine NHL draft picks on their
current roster. Zengerle is not one of them.
WATCH: TEAMMATES TALK MARK ZENGERLE
