Zach Hyman Inspires Students with Surprise Reading Session

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman surprised students at St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School on March 12, 2024, by hosting an engaging reading session. Hyman, who has authored several children’s books, took time to share his passion for literature with students, emphasizing the importance of reading and writing in their lives.

During the session, Hyman read from his books, including The Bambino and Me, Hockey Hero, and The Magician’s Secret. He expressed that while hockey has always been his primary focus, writing and reading have held a special place in his heart since childhood. “Today was pretty special,” Hyman remarked. “The kids were extremely loud and excited, and it was really exciting to see.”

Hyman’s visit aimed to inspire young minds amid a growing reliance on technology and social media. He highlighted the vital role of literacy in personal development, stating, “It’s such an important life skill. You need to be able to read, you need to be able to write, and you need to be able to use your imagination, and a lot of that comes from reading and writing.”

The enthusiasm was palpable as students gathered in the gymnasium. 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 student, Brian Suda, a Grade 4 fan of the Oilers, described the experience as “super awesome.”

Delia de Sousa, the principal of St. Elizabeth, noted that for many students, this was their first encounter with a professional hockey player. She praised Hyman as a positive role model, emphasizing the connection between reading and future aspirations. “That love for reading and for writing is something that students can see themselves as authors,” de Sousa said.

Hyman also appreciated the students’ enthusiasm, particularly when they raised their hands in response to his question about whether they had read his books. “To see them kind of view me as the author and not just a hockey player, that was pretty cool,” he reflected. Each student left the session with a signed copy of one of Hyman’s books, a tangible reminder of the encounter.

This initiative not only highlighted Hyman’s commitment to literacy but also reinforced the connection between sports and education. By sharing his journey as both a professional athlete and an author, Hyman hopes to inspire a new generation to embrace reading and creativity.