Zack's Legacy

Picking Up Where He Left Off

It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. Gonzo's Legacy: The Zack Defreitas Project is rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our community. With a variety of annual projects and a driven volunteer staff, we harness our skills and resources to successfully spread awareness and affect meaningful change within the athletic community.

Through our various outreach programs and fundraising initiatives, we aim to break down barriers that prevent kids from accessing the sport of hockey due to financial hardship. We provide equipment, ice time, coaching, and mentorship to young athletes who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate, as no child should be denied the chance to experience all that the game of hockey has to offer.

Born out of the idea that Zack's selflessness & kind hearted spirit should continue to live on in the hockey community, Zack's friends, family & teammates joined together to form Gonzo's Legacy. With donations from local area business leaders & community members, The Zack Defreitas Project aims to raise $10,000 each year to provide for disadvantaged youth in the hockey community while spreading awareness for colorectal cancer.

Zack's Story

Kindness & Compassion Embodied

Zachary A. Defreitas was affectionately known to us with his thick red hair and bushy red beard as "Gonzo". His life started on October 2nd, 1992 in Peoria, IL, the son of John Charles and Michelle Lynn Richards Defreitas.

A few years later he and his family moved to Springfield, IL. His love of hockey started when he played youth hockey with the Springfield Kings, Peoria Jr. Rivermen and the Pekin Dragons. Continuing his hockey dreams, he played with the Danville Inferno and the Peoria Mustangs. Between all things hockey, Zack attended school and graduated from Springfield High School in 2010, going on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Media Arts from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in May of 2016. He was employed as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Springfield Jr. Blues. He also served as the play-by-play announcer for the Springfield Jr. Blues and formerly the Springfield Sliders baseball team in the Summer of 2021.

Zack had an undying passion for hockey, with his favorite team being the St. Louis Blues. But he also enjoyed long drives, watching WWE, watching old movies, traveling, listening to music, and researching historical events.

Early in 2022, Zach and his college sweetheart, Erica Davis, married just as he was diagnosed with Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma, a form of Colorectal Cancer. Despite the circumstances, he remained ever positive and hopeful through his treatment. The phrase "Playin' & Prayin'" was the motto that kept him going. Together, Erica, Zack's family and his friends rallied to give him much love and moral support for over 10 months as he endured his battle with cancer. Though he fought valiantly, Zack's body simply couldn't handle it anymore. His life ended on Friday, March 17th, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by all those of loved him dearly.

Though Zack may no longer be with us, his friendship, loyalty, and the good times he shared with us are why we continue to honor his legacy and celebrate his life.