I have been through all of that.
Here is what I have for both teams:
Zarley signed a PTO with the Tampa Bay Lightning on September 1st, 1999. In a training camp game, he wore #2 for the Red Team in a training camp game, but three other players were also assigned #2 for those camp games. On September 11th & September 12th he played in Preseason games vs the Carolina Hurricanes. Zalapski was released from the Tampa Bay Lightning on September 13, 1999
The next day, he signed a 25 game contract with the Long Beach Ice Dogs
On October 9th 1999, the Utah Grizzlies played Long Beach. At the 14:59 mark of the 1st period, Zalapski was called for a Holding Penalty. He also was called for a Interference Penalty at the 17:03 mark of the 1st period
On October 10th, 1999, the Chicago Wolves played Long Beach. Thomas scored, assisted by Zalapski and Crowley at the 5:37 mark of the 3rd period on the power play.
On October 13th, 1999, Chicago played Long Beach again. Ast scored assisted by Pearson and Zalapski at the 13:21 mark of the 2nd Period.
On October 15th, the Grand Rapids Griffins played Long Beach. Pearson scored, assisted by Zalaspki and Walz at the 11:56 mark of the 3rd Period
It was reported that around November 5th. 1999, Zalapski was traded to the Utah Grizzlies
In his time with Long Beach, Zarley played in 7 games, recording 0 goals, 5 assists, and 6 penalty minutes.
I can confirm that Zalapski was not in the team picture at the start of the season, and was not listed in the 1999-2000 team media guide.
So, that is where I am at. A bunch of info, but no confirmed player number.