NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers — Connor McDavid celebrates Zach Hyman's community support at charity Golf event (Image via Imagn)

Connor McDavid gives his honest opinion on Zach Hyman's Jewish background

Modified Jul 15, 2024 19:59 GMT

On Monday, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid joined Zach Hyman at the 5th annual Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic Golf event. The event at Oakdale Golf and Country Club supports various children's charities, including Stollery Children's Hospital and UJA.

During the event, McDavid was asked about Hyman and his support for the Jewish community in light of the Israel-Hamas war. McDavid replied by praising Hyman's role in the Jewish community of hockey.

"He's a great hockey player, first and foremost," McDavid said. "Being Jewish, he bears a big burden and is the face of that community in hockey. He does an unbelievable job representing himself, his family, and the community."

McDavid talked about how Hyman balances his hockey career with community involvement and family responsibilities.

"Juggling that with two kids at home and everything else, and still having the career he's had here, you can't say enough good things about him," McDavid added.

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Hyman went to United Synagogue Day School. He later graduated with honors from Toronto's Community Hebrew Academy. He is known for his philanthropic efforts and volunteers much of his free time to support various community initiatives. He is also an athlete ambassador for children's charities like Right To Play and First Book Canada.

Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman reflects on Stanley Cup journey and mental challenges

The Edmonton Oilers came back from 3-0 down against the Florida Panthers but lost 2-1 in Game 7. While talking on TSN1050's First Up, Zach Hyman called the run "unbelievable" and talked about the mental toll of nearly winning.

"It was an unbelievable run, obviously. You look at it from a mental standpoint, you come so close, it's just a part of the story," Hyman said.

The Oilers star mentioned his physical health was good, but he faced significant mental challenges.

"I was fortunate that this year I didn't have anything major going on [in terms of physical health]," Hyman added. "Mentally, it takes a toll."

Hyman played 105 games this season, more than his previous high of 92 in 2021-22. He accepted the loss was tough but thinks the team can grow from it.

"The way that it went down for us, I would say the mental side [was more difficult than the physical] - being down 3-0 in the finals, working yourself back into the series and ultimately giving yourself a chance to win it and just falling short," Hyman said.

This season was also a personal best for Zach Hyman. He scored 54 goals, crediting much of his success to teammate Connor McDavid. Hyman's 16 playoff goals led all scorers and his 70 total goals for the season tied with Auston Matthews.