Photo by: Kayden Kircher
Zinger Receives NCHC Postgraduate Scholarship
6/23/2026 12:06:00 PM | Men's Hockey
Former Husky captain plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration from University of Calgary
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Former St. Cloud State Men's Hockey defenseman Josh Zinger (Red Deer, Alberta) was selected as the recipient of the 2026 National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Postgraduate Scholarship, as announced on Tuesday. He is the second straight Husky and third in four seasons to be named the winner of the scholarship.
Zinger completed his undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State in May with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, while carrying a 3.72 grade point average. The Red Deer, Alberta native plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary beginning in the fall of 2027.
Zinger was a two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and two-time member of the NCHC Honor Roll in his two years at St. Cloud State. He also garnered CSC Academic All-District honors this year.
"Josh has been a contributor in all facets during his two years at St. Cloud State. From being a mainstay on defense, to volunteering in the community, to earning his degree in finance, he has proven to be a worthy recipient of our annual scholarship," NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems said. "Congratulations to Josh on his success and continuing SCSU's recent run of scholarship winners. We wish him luck as he pursues his MBA and are confident he will achieve his goals."
On the ice, Zinger suited up in 69 games for the Huskies, including all 36 as a senior this past season. In his SCSU career he totaled 15 points from the blue line on five goals and 10 assists. Prior to transferring to St. Cloud State, Zinger played two years at Northern Michigan, where he totaled 36 points (6g/30a). He was tabbed to the CCHA All-Rookie Team as a freshman and Second-Team All-CCHA in 2023-24. Zinger also picked up NCHC Defenseman of the Week honors in October of 2024 during his first month with SCSU.
Following his collegiate career, Zinger signed a contract with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL on March 10 and played in 11 games to close the 2025-26 season.
In addition to his work on the ice and in the classroom, Zinger also volunteered as a Special Olympics floor hockey coach during his two years with the Huskies. He also founded Zinger Hockey Camps last year, operating youth hockey camps for players aged 8-16, and plans to use his master's degree to further his business. On the academic side, he was a member of the Husky Capital Investment Club at SCSU, learning about portfolio management and investment strategy.
"Throughout my undergraduate studies in Finance, I have always known that I wanted to continue my education by pursuing a master's in business," Zinger wrote in his scholarship application. "I believe this program will provide the foundation I need to achieve my long-term goal of building a business that makes a meaningful contribution to society."
The NCHC's Postgraduate Scholarship is funded by a grant from the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, which has also supported the NCHC by providing its office headquarters on the grounds of the Penrose House and helping cover the cost of the Penrose Cup, the NCHC's regular-season trophy. Zinger's scholarship amount will be $7,500.
"Our membership is very appreciative of the continued support the NCHC receives from the El Pomar Foundation and its Board of Directors." Weems said. "While the National continues to excel on the ice, it's important to recognize our student-athletes' academic successes, as well. We celebrate Josh's achievement with the El Pomar Foundation."
To be eligible for the NCHC's Postgraduate Scholarship, the student-athlete must be a senior or grad student on his team's official NCAA hockey roster with at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, who plans to continue his academic studies beyond his undergraduate degree. The recipient must enroll in a postgraduate degree program within three years of receiving the scholarship to collect the financial aid. The winner is chosen by a vote of the NCHC's Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs) from among the nominees submitted by each school's FAR.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Men's Hockey, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. To contact the ticket office, visit www.scsutickets.com or call 1-877-SCSUTIX / 320-308-2137.
Zinger completed his undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State in May with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, while carrying a 3.72 grade point average. The Red Deer, Alberta native plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Calgary beginning in the fall of 2027.
Zinger was a two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and two-time member of the NCHC Honor Roll in his two years at St. Cloud State. He also garnered CSC Academic All-District honors this year.
"Josh has been a contributor in all facets during his two years at St. Cloud State. From being a mainstay on defense, to volunteering in the community, to earning his degree in finance, he has proven to be a worthy recipient of our annual scholarship," NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems said. "Congratulations to Josh on his success and continuing SCSU's recent run of scholarship winners. We wish him luck as he pursues his MBA and are confident he will achieve his goals."
On the ice, Zinger suited up in 69 games for the Huskies, including all 36 as a senior this past season. In his SCSU career he totaled 15 points from the blue line on five goals and 10 assists. Prior to transferring to St. Cloud State, Zinger played two years at Northern Michigan, where he totaled 36 points (6g/30a). He was tabbed to the CCHA All-Rookie Team as a freshman and Second-Team All-CCHA in 2023-24. Zinger also picked up NCHC Defenseman of the Week honors in October of 2024 during his first month with SCSU.
Following his collegiate career, Zinger signed a contract with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL on March 10 and played in 11 games to close the 2025-26 season.
In addition to his work on the ice and in the classroom, Zinger also volunteered as a Special Olympics floor hockey coach during his two years with the Huskies. He also founded Zinger Hockey Camps last year, operating youth hockey camps for players aged 8-16, and plans to use his master's degree to further his business. On the academic side, he was a member of the Husky Capital Investment Club at SCSU, learning about portfolio management and investment strategy.
"Throughout my undergraduate studies in Finance, I have always known that I wanted to continue my education by pursuing a master's in business," Zinger wrote in his scholarship application. "I believe this program will provide the foundation I need to achieve my long-term goal of building a business that makes a meaningful contribution to society."
The NCHC's Postgraduate Scholarship is funded by a grant from the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, which has also supported the NCHC by providing its office headquarters on the grounds of the Penrose House and helping cover the cost of the Penrose Cup, the NCHC's regular-season trophy. Zinger's scholarship amount will be $7,500.
"Our membership is very appreciative of the continued support the NCHC receives from the El Pomar Foundation and its Board of Directors." Weems said. "While the National continues to excel on the ice, it's important to recognize our student-athletes' academic successes, as well. We celebrate Josh's achievement with the El Pomar Foundation."
To be eligible for the NCHC's Postgraduate Scholarship, the student-athlete must be a senior or grad student on his team's official NCAA hockey roster with at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, who plans to continue his academic studies beyond his undergraduate degree. The recipient must enroll in a postgraduate degree program within three years of receiving the scholarship to collect the financial aid. The winner is chosen by a vote of the NCHC's Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs) from among the nominees submitted by each school's FAR.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Men's Hockey, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. To contact the ticket office, visit www.scsutickets.com or call 1-877-SCSUTIX / 320-308-2137.
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