Zach Hyman Engages Students with Inspiring Reading Session

Students at St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton received an unexpected and delightful surprise on March 5, 2024, when Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman visited for a special reading session. Hyman shared his passion for literature by reading from his own children’s books, which include The Bambino and Me, Hockey Hero, and The Magician’s Secret.

Hyman’s love for reading and writing has been a significant part of his life, alongside his successful hockey career. “While hockey has always come first, reading and writing have been a passion of mine since I was a kid,” he stated. The atmosphere during the event was electric, with students eagerly participating. Hyman remarked, “Today was pretty special. The kids were extremely loud and excited, and it was really exciting to see.”

The initiative aimed to inspire young minds and encourage a love for literature, particularly in an age increasingly dominated by technology and social media. Hyman emphasized the importance of reading and writing as essential life skills. “You need to be able to read, you need to be able to write, and you need to be able to use your imagination. A lot of that comes from reading and writing and thinking of ways to be creative,” he explained.

Students React to Hyman’s Visit

The visit left a lasting impression on the students. Grade 5 student Lian David expressed her excitement, saying, “It was very nice and cool and all about hockey and inspiring. Maybe I could try hockey.” Another enthusiastic fan, Grade 4 student Brian Suda, described the experience as “super awesome.”

Principal Delia de Sousa noted that for many students, this was their first encounter with a professional hockey player. She highlighted Hyman’s role as a mentor, stating, “That love for reading and for writing is something that students can see themselves as authors.”

Hyman was particularly pleased to see students raise their hands when he inquired if anyone had read his books before. “To see them view me as the author and not just a hockey player, that was pretty cool,” he said. Each student left the event with a signed book, an experience that will likely resonate with them for years to come.

Hyman’s visit not only showcased his commitment to literacy but also underscored the importance of engaging with young audiences. By combining his love for hockey with his passion for literature, he aims to inspire the next generation to cultivate their imaginations through reading.