FEW MINUTES AGO; Edmonton oilers leaft winger Zach Hyman wins the # pat tillman Award for se…. more
# FEW MINUTES AGO: Edmonton Oilers Left Winger Zach Hyman Wins the Pat Tillman Award for Service
In an emotional and history-making moment for both the world of hockey and humanitarianism, Edmonton Oilers’ star left winger Zach Hyman has officially been awarded the 2025 Pat Tillman Award for Service during the ESPY Awards ceremony held just minutes ago in Los Angeles. The crowd rose to its feet in a thunderous ovation as Hyman, dressed modestly in a dark suit and Oilers pin, took to the stage with a humble smile and evident emotion.
A Hero On and Off the Ice
Best known for his fierce work ethic, grit, and scoring prowess on the ice, Zach Hyman has built a reputation as one of the NHL’s most reliable and determined forwards. But it is his off-the-ice service to veterans, children with special needs, and refugee families that has propelled him into the global spotlight and earned him this profound recognition.
Named in honor of Pat Tillman—the former NFL player who left a multimillion-dollar contract to serve in the U.S. Army and was tragically killed in Afghanistan—the award celebrates individuals in sports who have shown extraordinary dedication to service, leadership, and community.
Hyman now becomes the first Canadian-born NHL player to win the Pat Tillman Award, and the only active player in the league to ever receive the honor.
A Speech to Remember
Taking the stage before a visibly moved crowd, Hyman opened his acceptance speech with heartfelt words:
> “This award isn’t just for me. It’s for the young boy with a disability learning to skate for the first time, the veteran struggling to find purpose after service, and the refugee family just trying to find a home in a new country. I’ve been blessed with a platform—and I believe in using it.”
He continued by paying tribute to the legacy of Pat Tillman:
> “Pat made the ultimate sacrifice—not just by leaving football, but by standing for something greater. His courage inspires me every day. I’m honored to carry forward even a small piece of that spirit.”
Tireless Work in the Community
Zach Hyman’s journey into service didn’t start with his hockey fame. Long before his NHL stardom, Hyman authored children’s books centered around resilience, inclusion, and kindness. As his professional career blossomed—first with the Toronto Maple Leafs and now with the Edmonton Oilers—his passion for social justice and charitable work only intensified.
Over the past several years, Hyman has led or contributed to:
“Heroes on Ice” Program: A free weekly hockey clinic for military veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, blending fitness with community connection.
Hyman Helps Foundation: Providing scholarships, mentorship, and sports equipment for underprivileged children in both Canada and the U.S.
Skate Forward Initiative: A campaign to promote adaptive sports opportunities for children with disabilities, in partnership with Easter Seals and the Rick Hansen Foundation.
Support for Ukrainian Refugees: As the son of a Jewish family with Eastern European roots, Hyman has funded housing, legal aid, and hockey scholarships for Ukrainian refugee families who have fled war in recent years.
Teammates have often described him as the “heart and soul” of the Oilers locker room—not just for his relentless effort on the ice, but for his unwavering values off of it.
Reactions from the NHL World
The hockey community reacted with pride and admiration following the announcement. Connor McDavid, Oilers captain, posted on social media:
> “Nobody deserves it more. Zach leads by example every day, not just as a teammate, but as a human being. Congratulations, brother.”
Former teammate Auston Matthews added:
> “Zach was always the guy showing up early, staying late, and asking how your family’s doing. He’s never forgotten where he came from.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued an official statement:
> “Zach Hyman exemplifies what it means to be a leader—on the ice, in the locker room, and in the world. The NHL family is deeply proud of his commitment to service and social impact.”
A Career Year with a Greater Purpose
Hyman’s award comes amid a banner year on the ice. In the 2024-25 NHL season, he scored 44 goals, contributed 37 assists, and played a pivotal role in the Edmonton Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. But his greatest victories have come in the lives he’s touched and the communities he’s lifted.
As he left the stage at the ESPYs, Hyman’s final words echoed with purpose:
> “We wear jerseys, but we’re also neighbors, mentors, citizens. If each of us used our gifts to lift someone else—just one person—we’d be amazed what this world could look like.”
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Tonight, Zach Hyman didn’t just win a trophy. He won hearts across North America. His Pat Tillman Award is not merely a symbol of service—it’s a testament to the power of purpose beyond the scoreboard.