NEWS

Brothers Zach and Spencer Hyman, both members of the Hamilton Red Wings have confirmed their commitment to join the powerhouse University of Michigan Wolverines program. 

Zach, the reigning CJHL Player of the Year, was originally slated to attend Princeton University, but chose to decommit after learning that head coach Guy Gadowsky, one of the main reasons for his choice of Princeton, left for Penn State.  Also the captain of the Red Wings, Zach will begin his Wolverines career, starting in the fall. 

Zach spoke to ojhl.ca recently about his decision to join the Wolverines, "It was a tough decision.  I had scholarship offers from all the top College programs across the United States, but when we stepped into Yost Arena and met Coach Berenson, Spence & I knew Michigan was the best fit for us.  I’m really excited to play for Michigan.  The Wolverines are a perennial powerhouse, revered  year after year. Playing for Coach Berenson will be a tremendous honour." 

He continued by discussing the importance of eduction, one of the main factors for staying in the OJHL this season, "The OJHL is an excellent development league.  Playing in the OJHL helped make my dreams come true.  Academics are very important to me and the University of Michigan offers the best of both worlds,  an excellent academic school and one of the top college hockey programs in the nation."

Spencer, a defenceman with the Red Wings, will join his brother at Michigan beginning with the 2012-13 CCHA season.  He recently completed his second season as a member of the Red Wings, recording 20 points in 49 regular season games to help lead his club to a playoff position in the challenging North-West Conference.

Spencer echoed many of his brother's comments and his excitement for moving on to the next level after next season, "Putting on a Wolverine jersey will be extra special.  Some great OJHL players like Mike Cammilieri and Andrew Cogliano played there.  It’s a storied College hockey program and a great University.  I had several scholarship offers from quality NCAA D1 schools, but I’ve always wanted to play for Michigan.  I’m also looking forward to playing with my brother Zach.  I want to thank the OJHL for providing a great league where players really develop." 

The following is the press release from the University of Michigan, announcing Zach's commitment:

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Head coach Red Berenson of the University of Michigan ice hockey team announced the addition of forward Zach Hyman (Toronto, Ontario) to the freshman class for the 2011-12 season on Friday (May 20).  Hyman is the sixth member of the class and the fourth forward.

Hyman (6-2, 195 pounds) was a fifth-round selection at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers.  He spent the last three seasons with the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.  He posted 102 points (42 goals, 60 assists) in 43 regular season games in 2010-11 to earn Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year honors.  En route to the esteemed award he was recognized by the OJHL as a North-West Conference First Team All-Star and the Most Gentlemanly Player.  Early on in the season he helped Team Canada East to a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior 'A' Challenge.  In 2009-10 Hyman put up 35-40-75 totals over 45 games and as a rookie in 2008-09 he had a 13-24-37 line in 49 games. Over 23 career playoff games he had 12 goals and 16 assists.

Hyman will be the third CJHL Player of the Year to don the Maize and Blue, following Mike Comrie (1998) and  Jeff Tambellini (2002).

The Maize and Blue graduated five forwards -- Louie Caporusso, Carl Hagelin, Matt Rust, Scooter Vaughan, Ben Winnett -- defenseman Chad Langlais and goalie Bryan Hogan from its 2010-11 season.

Congratulations to both Zach and Spencer and best of luck to both in the future!