Every player remembers their first stick. For Zach Wallace, it was the globally renowned Grays Hockey AJ7 Jumbow, the signature hockey stick designed by his hero - Ashley Jackson. Fast forward to 2025, we’ve gone full circle as Zach steps into the spotlight with his own signature stick – the Limited Edition ZW7 Jumbow, designed in collaboration with Grays Hockey for the latest 25/26 Jumbow Hockey Stick Range.
Zach’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Once a determined youngster suffering setbacks, he now stands as a two-time FIH International Player of the Year nominee, European Silver medallist, captaining his nation and dazzling fans with his quick-thinking style of play, dynamic distribution, and unforgettable volley goals (if you know, you know...) - Let’s break it down in this exclusive blog with Zach himself:
1. The Grays Hockey ZW7 Jumbow
Engineered with Zach’s personal specifications at the heart of the design, the ZW7 is a statement of intent. It encompasses the highly sought after power and control of the JB8 model with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic designed by Zach himself and the Grays Product Design team.
- Bow: 24.75mm @ 200mm
- Head: Maxi
- Profile: Jumbow
- Composition: Graphene-enhanced carbon for strength, touch, and shock absorption
The ZW7’s Jumbow profile is specifically crafted for those players looking to execute advanced techniques like drag flicks, aerials, and 3D skills, while the Maxi Head shape ensures precision in every strike, touch and pass. The graphene matrix delivers a unique balance of stiffness and responsiveness, giving players both power and control in equal measure.
“For me, the slightly lower composition helps with the feel on the ball when I play compared to the JB10 for example. I’m a player who tends to play more quicker passes/dribbles rather than using a big range of hitting/slapping, so I go mostly for feel over the commonly desired power which the ZW7 gives me.” - Zach Wallace.
Visually, the ZW7 is here to stand out. With exposed carbon fabric, a textured 3D print for enhanced grip, and gold detailing, all chosen by Zach himself – it's a stick designed to turn heads on the pitch.
2. The Mind Behind The Grays Hockey ZW7
The ideas, implementation and execution between Zach and Grays Hockey’s design team went beyond just colours and patterns. It was about capturing the essence of Zach’s style of play. Every detail of the ZW7 was refined to reflect how Zach sees and feels the game.
“The ZW7 was about a year in the making from when I first joined Grays. I think I have quite a unique style of play, so to have a stick that could match this was important and came about through working with a number of the Grays team across each step of the process from the stick itself to the designing.” - Zach Wallace.
From tight control to long-range distribution and rapid 3D skills, the ZW7 empowers players to dominate and dictate the game with confidence and control. There’s a reason Zach backs the Jumbow profile:
“The Jumbow really suits my style of play. It allows me to carry the ball in a way to play quick passes or dribble with ease which is important for someone who plays in a creative role like I do.”- Zach Wallace.
Discover the ZW7 in the Grays Hockey Jumbow Collection
3. From Fan to The Grays Hockey ZW7: Zach’s Journey
Zach’s background, and journey to the top, is one every aspiring hockey player can relate to in some way or another. Experiencing rejection at any level of the game is something no player wants to encounter, particularly at a young age. Missing out on the U15 regional side for Zach saw a moment of disappointment, become the motivation that powered his stellar rise. Now, battling at the top of the Hoofdklasse with the Dutch powerhouse that is HC Bloemendaal, Zach’s mindset has been one of wanting to challenge himself amongst the world’s best, all with the aim of continuously improving himself as a player:
“My journey has definitely been full of ups and downs. I had a lot of success with Surbiton early in my career, and the move to the Netherlands was driven by wanting to go outside my comfort zone and test myself in the best league in the world. To be honest, I planned to go for 1 season but I’m still here in year 5 now at Bloemendaal which tells you how much I’ve loved the experience! Internationally, we have a great GB side right now and have ambitions to win gold medals in all the major tournaments. Unfortunately it’s not quite happened yet, but the drive and motivation remains the same across the team.” - Zach Wallace.
4. The Grays Hockey AJ7 to ZW7: A Full Circle Moment
Growing up, idolising Ashley Jackson was a huge part for many of us hockey fans, and getting your hands on his golden AJ7 Jumbow signature hockey stick was like winning the golden ticket for Charlie In The Chocolate Factory (again, if you know you know). Well, it was the same for Zach and to be leading the Grays Hockey line with his own ZW7 signature hockey stick, inspired by Ashley, is quite the monumental moment.
“It’s a nice feeling! Of course, Ash was an inspiration for a lot of us growing up with the things he did for GB hockey and I’m fortunate now to have a great relationship with him to chat to about all things hockey. As you mentioned I had an AJ7 when I was a kid so it feels like a full circle moment in some way to bring out a signature stick of my own!” - Zach Wallace.
A symbol to chase your dreams, no matter how wild they are!
5. Get Your Grays Hockey ZW7 Now
Zach Wallace’s story is proof that dreams can evolve through resilience, dedication and the confidence in your ability to keep striving for the top. From his first AJ7 hockey stick to his own ZW7, he has never stopped chasing the gold – and neither should you.
Get your Limited Edition ZW7 Jumbow now →
Want to go like for like with Zach? Shop his go to match essentials here:
