Community Moment | Tyson Hinds, just as effective off the ice
Tyson Hinds is not only a star player in the QMJHL. He is also a great athlete with a big heart and a great ambassador for the Sherbrooke Phoenix.
Over the past year, the talented defenseman has visited children with cancer at a hospital, participated in different practices with minor hockey teams, visited schools and even volunteered at a blood drive.
Clearly, the Gatineau native takes his role as a role model and community leader very seriously.
“When you’re still a kid, it’s always nice to see people getting involved with you. And so, I try to do my best to be present in my community,” he explains. “I like to see youngsters having fun and being happy. I know they’re going to remember those few moments spent with us, so it’s something that’s very important.”
As a native of the Outaouais region, Hinds grew up watching every move of the Gatineau Olympiques players. He even once had the chance to skate with his childhood idol, Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
“It was very special being on the same ice as him. He was really a star in Gatineau!”, recalls number 55 of the Phoenix.
Since making his QMJHL debut, it has been Hinds’ turn to leave his mark on the next generation. Along with a few of his Phoenix teammates, the 20-year-old was able to visit the pediatric ward at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke this season.
He remembers being very touched when he saw all the sick children who greeted them with a huge smile.
“The kids were really happy when they saw us walking in,” says Hinds. “With their cancer, they have gone gone through many negative moments and their motivation isn’t always there. So, it was really nice to have this chance to meet them and put smiles on their faces!”
The Phoenix defenseman obviously took the time to chat with his new friends, pose for pictures and sign autographs… until his fingers cramped up!
Along with his teammates, Hinds and the Phoenix players also made dreams come true for a bunch of aspiring hockey players when they allowed the group of kids to jump on the ice and have fun with them after practice.
“For these kids, we are an inspiration. It was really fun to spend time with them. They were all really happy to see us,” admits the defenseman. “The fact that we practiced with them, maybe it will give them a little extra motivation to help them early on in their hockey careers!”
No matter what direction the Anaheim Ducks prospect’s career takes, he fully intends to continue this great community involvement in his next adoptive community.
