Zach Hyman
A late-blooming Canadian winger who transformed himself from a diligent checker into a relentless goal-scoring force for the Edmonton Oilers.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: June 9·Millennials
Biography
Zach Hyman's hockey story is one of continuous evolution. Drafted by the Florida Panthers after a standout NCAA career at the University of Michigan, he was traded to Toronto, where he carved out a vital role as a hard-nosed, defensive-minded forward alongside stars like Auston Matthews. In Toronto, he was the engine on a top line, retrieving pucks and creating space. But a free-agent move to Edmonton in 2021 unlocked a surprising new dimension: the goal scorer. Playing next to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Hyman's net-front tenacity turned into a torrent of goals, repeatedly shattering his previous career highs and becoming a central figure in the Oilers' offensive juggernaut. Off the ice, his passion for children's literature led him to become a bestselling author, while his family's ownership of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs keeps him rooted in the game's development.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Zach was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zach Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Zach's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored over 50 goals in a single NHL season for the Edmonton Oilers, a dramatic increase from his previous career highs.
- Recorded a point-per-game season in the NHL, demonstrating elite offensive production.
- Co-owns the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League with his family.
Did You Know?
He is a published children's book author, having written the 'The Bambino and Me' series and others.
He played college hockey at the University of Michigan, where he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
“I think you create your own luck by going to the hard areas.”
