Zach Hyman Inspires Students with Surprise Reading Session

Students at St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton received an unexpected treat on October 3, 2023, when Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman visited to conduct a reading session. Hyman, an author of several children’s books, took the opportunity to engage with young readers by sharing stories from his own publications, including The Bambino and Me, Hockey Hero, and The Magician’s Secret.

Hyman expressed that while his career in hockey has always been at the forefront, his passion for reading and writing began in childhood. “Today was pretty special,” he remarked, noting the enthusiasm of the students. “The kids were extremely loud and excited, and it was really exciting to see.”

The visit aimed to promote literacy among children, particularly in an age where technology and social media dominate their attention. Hyman emphasized the critical 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,” he said. “A lot of that comes from reading and writing and thinking of ways to be creative.”

Student Reactions and Impact

Among the students, Grade 5 student Lian David expressed her excitement at meeting Hyman. “It was very nice and cool and all about hockey and inspiring. Maybe I could try hockey,” she said. Similarly, Grade 4 student Brian Suda, another fan of the Oilers, described the experience as “super awesome.”

Principal Delia de Sousa highlighted the significance of the event, noting that for many students, it was their first encounter with a professional hockey player. Hyman’s presence serves as a powerful mentorship opportunity, encouraging students to embrace both reading and writing. “That love for reading and for writing is something that students can see themselves as authors,” de Sousa remarked.

Hyman was pleased to see a number of students raise their hands when he inquired if they had read any of his books before. “To see them kind of view me as the author and not just a hockey player, that was pretty cool,” he said.

As a memorable conclusion to the event, students left with signed copies of Hyman’s books, a gesture that further sparked their interest in literature and creativity. This initiative not only enhances the students’ educational experience but also fosters a love of reading that can last a lifetime.