Rick Zombo St. Louis, MO Car Accident: Former Ice Hockey Player and Coach Rick Zombo Dies in Tragic Road Accident

Rick Zombo, born on May 8, 1963, in Des Plaines, Illinois, was a distinguished figure in the world of ice hockey, both as a player and a coach. He began his hockey journey with the Austin Mavericks in the USHL during the 1980–81 season, where he showcased his potential by earning 36 points in 43 games.

His promising performance led to his selection by the Detroit Red Wings in the 8th round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, 149th overall. Opting to further hone his skills, Zombo attended the University of North Dakota, playing for the Fighting Sioux. In his freshman year, he contributed to the team’s success, culminating in an NCAA National Championship in 1982. Over three seasons with North Dakota, he amassed 63 points, serving as team captain in his junior year.

Transitioning to professional hockey, Zombo spent parts of his initial seasons with the Adirondack Red Wings in the AHL, winning the Calder Cup in 1986. His NHL career spanned 12 seasons, during which he played as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Boston Bruins. Throughout his NHL tenure, he appeared in 652 regular-season games, recording 24 goals and 130 assists. He also participated in 60 playoff games, contributing a goal and 11 assists.

After retiring from professional play, Zombo transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive on-ice experience to various teams. He began as the head coach of the St. Louis Sting in the NAHL, followed by a stint with the Heartland Eagles in the USHL. In 2008, he joined Lindenwood University as an assistant coach. His efforts were instrumental in the team’s back-to-back ACHA Division I National Championships during his tenure.

Elevated to head coach in 2010, Zombo led the Lions to multiple national tournament appearances and secured national titles in 2016 and 2022. Under his guidance, Lindenwood transitioned to NCAA Division I status, achieving notable victories, including a remarkable comeback win against Air Force in October 2022. Zombo’s coaching record at Lindenwood was impressive, with multiple seasons boasting win percentages above 80%.

In March 2024, after two seasons at the NCAA Division I level, Lindenwood University announced that Zombo would not return as the men’s hockey head coach. The decision marked the end of a significant chapter in the university’s hockey program, with a nationwide search initiated to find his successor.