Erie native excited to play goalie for men's hockey team in Olympics

Ryan Zapolski lives in Finland, where he plays in the Kontinental Hockey League.

But before he goes to the Olympics in Pyeongchang next week as the goalie for the U.S. men’s hockey team, he made a trip home last night to surprise his family in Erie. And he got a little surprise himself.

WATCH THE PYEONGCHANG OLYMPICS ON CHANNEL 11. FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE, CLICK HERE.

Channel 11 was there Thursday when Mercyhurst University announced that his number 35 hockey jersey is going to be retired at the end of the season.

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Zapolski also got on the ice for a little practice so he can stay in shape before the Games.

“I don’t think it’s really set in yet for me,” he said. “So, just excited to have the chance and represent Erie and America over there. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”

Ryan will fly out of Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group