The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/178977
Student-Athlete Of The Month Junior Forward Zach Hyman In 2010, Zach Hyman was a fifth-round draft pick of the Florida Panthers, and in 2011, he was named the Canadian Junior A Player of the Year, but despite a bright hockey future, the Toronto native has always given his maximum effort in school, knowing a professional hockey career is no guarantee. Majoring in history, Hyman carried a 3.8 grade-point average into his junior campaign. Hyman "Ever since I was young, my parents always instilled in me that education is really important," he said. "That's the reason I chose to play college hockey instead of major juniors. I wanted to play hockey and get an education. "I've never slacked off in either of them, and I've really put an emphasis on both. If you're going to go to college, you might as well do well, and my attitude is I always want to do my best in whatever I do." In two seasons with the Maize and Blue, the 6-1, 195-pounder has carved out a role as a defensive-minded forward, occupying a key spot on Michigan's penalty kill. He's scored six goals with 12 assists in 80 career contests, and he's capable of more offensively. Hyman admits that scoring a goal is "one of the best feelings in the world" and trumps when he aces an exam, but he's anticipating graduating from U-M with the same fervor as winning a Big Ten title. "I'm going to do both," Hyman said. "I'm not picking one or the other. I have two years left to win a Big Ten championship, and then I'm definitely going to graduate." Even though he routinely spends 20 hours a week or more at Yost Ice Arena between practices and games (not to mention all the traveling that the team does), Hyman succeeds in school because he pays attention in class. "Some guys spend three hours studying for tests, but I only spend an hour. If you're picking things up in class you only have to go back and review, and not really learn it for the first time," he said. "I like to think I have a good memory. I pick things up quickly. "Staying on top of things is really important because if you fall behind it's tough to catch up with such a busy hockey schedule." Three years into his career, Hyman looks back on the decision to attend U‑M and not sign with an OHL team as the right move. "I enjoy school a lot," he said. "When you're going to class and doing well in both hockey and school, it's exciting. You meet new people too, so you're getting the whole experience of college life. "Michigan is a great place to be." — Michael Spath