Ahead of the 2021 NHL season, Ontario Junior Hockey League writer Ron Valentine is profiling four graduates of the ‘League of Choice’ to watch this year.

By Ron Valentine

ZACH HYMAN won the OHA's B.J. Munro Memorial Trophy in 2011 for the top pro prospect as well as being named Canadian Junior A player of the year, two of the many awards he would win at the Junior level.

He would begin his NHL career in 2015 for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Zach accumulated 242 over three seasons playing for the OJHL's Hamilton Red Wings and was the captain of the club in his final term, the 2010-11 campaign where he recorded 102 points. Included in that total were three seven-point and three five-point games and 28 games in a row where he recorded at least one point. Zach was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2010 in the fifth round, 123rd overall.

The Toronto-born forward next spent four seasons in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines, graduating after the 2014-15 season in which he was named to the NCAA first all-star team.

After spending some time with the AHL's Marlies, Zach has 158 NHL points to his credit but more importantly has become one of the league's top penalty killers and most hard-working forwards. 

"I loved playing in the OJHL,” he said earlier this month. “The OJHL really helped me develop and prepare me for college at the University of Michigan. One of my favourite memories of playing in the OJHL was playing with my brother Spencer for the Hamilton Red Wings".

Zach became a fan favourite at the Dave Andreychuk arena and Scott Elliott was behind the bench for the Red Wings.

Scott had this to say about Zach's time in Hamilton...

"Zach joined the OJHL when he was 16 years old. From the moment he became a part of the team he was always the hardest working player in the room. He was a player that was a true pleasure to coach and be around, for both the coaching staff and his teammates. He brought a great work ethic to the rink every time he stepped foot on the ice. His ability to work hard consistently was what made him stand out. His attitude and hockey IQ inspired other players around him to work harder and follow his lead. Zach's hard work created opportunities for him. Not only was Zach a pleasure to coach on the ice, he was a pleasure off the ice, his personality and leadership was a true joy to be around. While Zach was in his tenure with the Red Wings, he also contributed to writing children’s books that brought a whole new meaning to becoming successful.  The success that Zach has had and continues to have inspires others – if you work hard and contribute to a task nothing can stop your dreams and goals." 

The NHL season begins Jan. 13 with the Leafs playing the Montreal Canadiens.