Saturday, May 7, 2011

HYMAN NAMED CJHL PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR

Press Release

Just hours after the CJHL and Hockey Canada announced the appointment of Whitby Fury Head Coach Curtis Hodgins as the Head Coach for Team Canada East at the 2011 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge,another member of the OJHL was recognized by both national bodies. Hamilton Red Wings forward Zach Hyman (photo credit - Craig Campbell/HHOF) was presented with the Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year Award at the 2011 RBC Cup Awards Banquet in Camrose, Alberta.

Hamilton’s captain for a second season, Hyman earned a spot on the OJHL’s North-West Conference First All-Star Team after finishing second in league scoring with 102 points in just 43 games, leading all Canadian Junior ‘A’ players with a 2.37 points/game average. He becomes just the second player from the OJHL to win the prestigious award, joining Trent Walford of the Newmarket Hurricanes, who was honoured in 1995-96.

“I made the decision to return to the OJHL this year after being drafted by Florida as I knew that I would be able to develop into a more complete player if I dedicated myself to working hard everyday,” stated Hyman who was in Camrose to accept the award. “This is a tremendous honour for me and I would like to thank the Hockey Canada Life Members for selecting me for this prestigious award. I also must thank my teammates and coaches back in Hamilton as they all played a major role with the success that I enjoyed this season.”

The CJHL Player of the Year is selected by Life Members of Hockey Canada from nominations submitted by each of the 10 CJHL member leagues. It is awarded based on the player’s hockey playing ability, combined with academic achievement and off-ice community involvement

“The OJHL would like to congratulate Zach on being awarded the 2011 CJHL Player of the Year,” said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy. “Zach had a tremendous season that included being selected in the NHL Entry Draft and representing Team Canada East at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. Sharing an award with previous winners such as Dany Heatley and Paul Kariya is another great accomplishment he can now add to that list. He is a player that competes hard and it is a credit to both Zach and our league that he chose to come back en route to a very promising future.”

Hyman, a 5th round draft pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, returned to the OJHL this season after committing to play for Princeton University in the ECAC starting this fall. Finishing second in OJHL scoring with 102 points, Hyman earned North-West Conference 1st All-Star Team honours, as well as being named the OJHL’s Most Gentlemanly Player.

Hyman also excelled off the ice, spending countless hours committed to charitable endeavours and has already published his first children’s book, with the second on the way. He has donated many of his books to various schools and often spends time encouraging children to read through his presence.

Also awarded last night was the RBC Cup Legacy Scholarships to one member of each team competing at the RBC Cup. Sean Rudy, captain of the Wellington Dukes, was selected as the winner for the Central Region.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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