Zeev Buium

Zeev Buium is an emerging talent in American ice hockey, playing as a defenseman for the University of Denver in the NCAA as of February 2025. Born on December 7, 2005, he was drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

He first gained attention during his time with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he led team defensemen in points during the 2022–23 season. Transitioning to college hockey in 2023, Buium was the first freshman defenseman to win NCHC Player of the Month honors. His awards include multiple NCHC awards and back-to-back gold medals with Team USA at the World Junior Championships.

Zeev Buium's early days

Zeev Buium's hockey journey began with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings where he contributed 36 points in the 2018–19 season. He also played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school. Over two seasons there, he recorded 49 points which included 8 goals and 41 assists. His growth continued with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, competing at both U17 and U18 levels as per EliteSports.

Zeev Buium's college

Zeev Buium played collegiate hockey at the University of Denver where he became one of the nation’s top defensemen. During his freshman season (2023-24), he achieved a historic 50-point season, the first by a Denver freshman since 1983-84 and the highest by a freshman defenseman in NCAA history as per his college profile. His 39 assists set a school record for a rookie blueliner and ranked third nationally that season. Buium earned multiple awards, including NCHC Rookie of the Year, Offensive Defenseman of the Year, and All-American honors, making him Denver’s first freshman defenseman to do so.

Buium’s 12-game point streak set a conference record for defensemen, and his contributions were vital in leading Denver to the 2024 NCAA National Championship.

Zeev Buium's achievements

As of February 2025, Buium’s list of achievements is as follows:

• All-NCHC Rookie Team (2024)

• All-NCHC First Team (2024)

• NCHC Rookie of the Year (2024)

• NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year (2024)

• AHCA West First Team All-American (2024)

• NCAA All-Tournament Team (2024)

Zeev Buium's NHL selection

Zeev Buium was selected 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft, following a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he continues to play his collegiate hockey at the University of Denver as of February 2025.

Zeev Buium's parents

Zeev Buium is the son of Sorin and Miriam Buium. His parents played a pivotal role in his hockey journey. Born to Israeli nationals and grew up with his two older siblings, Shai and Ben Buium. Their mother Miriam is a former professional basketball player who transitioned into a general manager role in basketball before their family moved to the United States. "Once they got involved in hockey, that became all we watched. They all love the game so much and turned us into one big hockey family," Miriam said in an interview with NCHC.

The family's introduction to hockey began with Zeev’s older brother, Shai, who fell in love with the game after watching their cousin play. Miriam recalled, "Shai asked, ‘Can I play hockey? Can I play hockey?’ and he never gave up." Their father Sorin supported the demanding schedule while running his business.

Zeev credits his family for their sacrifices, especially his mother, who drove hours for practices. "We just did that drive the other day, and I said, ‘This is the longest drive ever. I don’t know how you did it, Mom,’" Zeev said in the interview with NCHC

Zeev Buium's siblings

Shai Buium is the older brother of Zeev Buium a professional ice hockey defenseman for the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, he is a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings. Drafted 36th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Shai signed an entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings on April 17, 2024.

Ben Buium, Zeev Buium's older brother, is an ice hockey defenseman born on December 21, 2000. Ben played across various leagues, including the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, and Skipjacks Hockey Club as per Elite Sports.

Zeev Buium's nationality

Zeev Buium is American and was born in San Diego, California, U.S. His parents are originally from Israel. He identifies with his Israeli heritage and is proud of his Jewish background as per the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Zeev Buium's social media

Zeev Buium is on Instagram, under the handle "zeevbuium28" where he has 17K plus followers, as of February 2025.