WINDSOR, ONT. — Dima Zhilkin is the youngest player on Canada’s roster at the World Junior Summer Showcase and is the only one required to wear a full face shield during on-ice sessions.
“I’m a younger guy here, but I was telling them with the cage I feel invincible,” the 17-year-old Saginaw Spirit captain said with a smile. “I’ll be the only one here going headfirst into battle, so it’s exciting.”
Zhilkin is also one of the smaller players on the Canadian roster standing just 5-foot-10, 183 pounds. But that doesn’t stop the winger from engaging physically.
“I just want to show the player I am,” he said. “I’m not the biggest guy, but I’m not afraid to be in the battle and just go against those bigger guys.”
In conversations with Canadian teammates in Windsor, Zhilkin is quick to highlight that he had 100 penalty minutes to go along with his 75 points last season in 59 games in the Ontario Hockey League.
“I always bring it up to everyone whenever I meet them,” he said. “I don’t bring up my points. I say, ‘I had 100 PIMs last year.’ So, yeah, I’m super proud of it.”
Zhilkin credits big brother Danny, a third-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, for raising his compete level.
“He was always bigger than me and stronger than me so not letting him bully me around in mini sticks, that’s where the competitiveness comes from.”
Zhilkin lists Seth Jarvis and Zach Benson as his current NHL role models.
“They’re smaller guys but they don’t shy away from that [physical] side of the game,” he said. “The competitiveness of them is just on another level and they’re silky guys that can make plays as well.”
TSN director of scouting Craig Button compares Zhilkin’s style to Brad Marchand. Either way, it’s no fun to play against.
“He’s not the biggest guy but he plays like he’s the biggest player in the world,” observed Guelph Storm forward Tyler Hopkins. “And he’s really skilled so you kind of have the best of both worlds.”
Kitchener Rangers defenceman Cameron Reid dropped the gloves with Zhilkin during the 2024-25 season.
“He’s a feisty one,” Reid said with a grin. “I always hated playing against him and that says good things about him. I’m glad he’s on my team for this because he’s a really good player to have on your team.”
Hockey Canada is giving Zhilkin every chance to stand out in his quest to make the World Junior team. He will start Thursday’s game against Finland on the top line beside returning centre Cole Reschny, who is a Calgary Flames prospect.
“You’re not going to see much shyness from Dima,” said Hockey Canada general manager Alan Millar. “He’s a confident kid with real good swagger and his details are excellent. His skill-set is very good. He plays the game the right way and can play in all situations. He’s going to be a very high pick a year from now.”
What is Zhilikin’s goal for his draft season?
“Hopefully 100 PIMs again,” he quipped. “I’m not trying to focus on points. I just want to develop my game and work on the little things that will help me at the next level.”
