'Shaq Hyman' helping take Edmonton Oilers to whole new heights

With an NHL-leading seven goals in five playoff games, Zach Hyman has been playing like he's seven feet tall.

And he's apparently not the only one.

Article content

The Edmonton Oilers forward might have some competition in that department when it comes to seven-foot-one NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who has appeared on the national TNT broadcast as the freshly minted 'Shaq Hyman'.

"I'm a huge Shaq fan," said Hyman, who stands an entire foot shorter in comparison. "Obviously an incredible basketball player and I think an incredible panelist on TNT. It's always fun. Sometimes the basketball games are more fun even when him and Charles (Barkley) are going at it in intermissions.

"So, he brings a whole other element to the NBA and it's cool to see him on the NHL set pretending to be Shaq Hyman."

The big man donned a helmet and stick, and mimicked what it would look like to see a real-life giant skating on set during a couple of TNT intermissions during the first round of NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

• Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.
• Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.
• Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
• Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
• Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

• Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters.
• Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account.
• Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
• Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
• Support local journalism.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

or

Article content

"He's great. I saw it and he just keeps improving," Hyman said. "At first, he was in shoes and then he was on skateboards. So, next he'll be on real skates and that's a big man in front of the net.

"If Shaq wants lessons, no problem. For free."

Until then, Hyman will have to settle for sharing the moniker with one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history.

"I never thought in my life they would be calling him Shaq Hyman," the real Hyman said. "So, obviously it's pretty funny and people were calling me Shaq Hyman too. So, cool to share that nickname with him."

E-mail: gmoddejonge@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @GerryModdejonge

Article content