For Zach Lansard, hearing his name called at the 2026 NHL Draft was the realization of a childhood dream. For his family and the community that helped raise him, it marked the culmination of years of early mornings, long road trips and unwavering belief.
The 17-year-old Ste. Anne product was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round, 68th overall, a moment he admits came sooner than expected.
“It was really exciting and it’s every kid’s dream,” Zach says. “It was a little earlier than my family and I expected, but it was a dream come true.”
He says the belief in reaching this level never wavered, even through the sacrifices along the way.
“I was willing to do whatever it takes to get to where I’m at right now.”
While the draft marked a major milestone in his hockey journey, Zach is quick to point to the people who helped get him there.
“My dad taught me how to skate when I was three years old and everything I know now,” he says. “He’s definitely been my biggest role model in the game and is probably the biggest reason why I’m here right now.”
A young Zach Lansard is pictured on the ice with his father, Kevin, during his early years (photo provided)
Zach also credits his mother, extended family and the broader Ste. Anne community for supporting his pursuit of hockey.
“My mom and my dad, my aunties, uncles and grandparents drove me around to practices and games and made a lot of sacrifices,” he says. “It truly does take a village, and without my family or the town of Ste. Anne, I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at right now.”
A family’s investment
For his father, Kevin Lansard, draft day brought a lot of emotion.
“I think the first feeling was relief,” Kevin says. “Knowing how hard someone worked and not knowing if your name will be called or when. There’s excitement, but there’s relief because of all the work he put in.”
Kevin says the family intentionally kept expectations in check leading up to the draft.
“We mentally prepared for it to be later,” he says. “When it came a little sooner than expected, it took some of the pressure off and we got to enjoy it a little bit more.”
Photo credit: Regina Pats Hockey Club Facebook Page
He notes his biggest contribution wasn’t teaching hockey skills, but helping build mental resilience.
“We worked on winning the day,” Kevin explains. “If you think about the whole season or the draft, it’s overwhelming. We just focused on what he was good at, what he was working on, and not worrying about the result.”
That mindset, Zach says, became a key part of his development.
After receiving a book on mental toughness early in the season, he began diving deeper into the subject.
“Being mentally strong is very important in life in general, but definitely in the game of hockey,” he says.
Community behind every step
As Zach’s profile grew, so did the support from Ste. Anne.
Social media filled with congratulatory messages following the draft, something he says has been overwhelming in the best way.
“The support is amazing and the community is great,” Zach says. “All the texts I get and people coming over, it’s been amazing.”
Zach Lansard and supportive family members celebrate with homemade signs following his selection by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2026 NHL Draft. Photo provided by Jessica Bram.
Kevin says that support extends well beyond immediate family, with dozens of relatives and friends often travelling to games.
“It makes life easier when your kids have that support,” Kevin says. “We’re on the road a lot, and it turns into a more fun atmosphere when a lot of family and friends are there.”
Having coached minor hockey in Ste. Anne for years, Kevin says giving back has always been important.
“I enjoy learning something new and sharing it with other families and kids,” Kevin says. “I loved coaching in Ste. Anne. We met a lot of good friends and families, and it’s just enjoyable to be a part of.”
Staying grounded
Despite reaching one of hockey’s biggest milestones, Zach says he hasn’t forgotten where his journey began.
“There aren’t too many hockey players from Ste. Anne, so I’m very honoured,” Zach says. “Ste. Anne has done so much for me and my family. I’m always going to represent where I came from because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
A young Zach Lansard (center) representing Team Manitoba (photo provided)
He hopes young players chasing similar dreams remember success isn’t only defined by reaching the NHL.
“If you love the game, it’ll get you far,” Zach says. “Even if you don’t make it in hockey, you’ll make friends for life. It’s about the people who are on the journey with you.”
Looking ahead
Zach will attend Carolina’s development camp before returning to the Regina Pats, where he hopes to help the team compete for a WHL championship.
“We’re going to have a really good team and a young team,” Zach says. “Regina has a really bright future.”
For now, he’s focused on taking everything in one step at a time.
“I’ve been thinking about so much in the last 24 hours. It’s been insane,” Zach says. “I’m just trying to take it day by day and soak it all in.”