Hobart College hockey forward Zach Tyson '22, MSM '23 recently signed a professional contract with Yetis du Mont Blanc in the French Division I Hockey League.
 
"My time at Hobart has been incredible," Tyson said. "Since I stepped foot on campus, I have felt at home, and I have made some lifelong friends. Coach Taylor and Coach Fiorentino have put a lot of trust and faith in me during my time here at the Colleges. I owe a lot to both coaches for helping me gain contacts of coaches in Europe."
 
A captain, Tyson played in all 31 games this season, leading the Statesmen hockey team to its first national championship in program history. A graduate student, he had 21 points on 11 goals and 10 assists this season. Tyson was named the Most Valuable Player of the New England Hockey Conference Tournament and had a spot on the all-tournament team, registering two goals in the tournament, including the game-winning goal against Skidmore. Tyson added an empty net goal in the championship game against Babson. He registered a season-high three points on a goal and two assists in the win over Elmira. Tyson also had multi-point games in wins over UMass Boston and Castleton.
 
"This is a great opportunity for Zach," Head Coach Mark Taylor said. "He came back to get his fourth year of hockey and to get his master's. Now he will be living in the French Alps and getting to play hockey. For a young guy, it'll be one of the richest times of his life, and it's an example that if you are doing it right you can have the best of both worlds, the academic and athletic achievemtns through Hobart College."

Tyson played in 112 games over his four seasons in Geneva. He recorded 92 points on 38 goals and 54 assists. He helped the Statesmen to a 90-21-7 overall record, four NCAA tournament selections and two appearances in the national semifinals. As a first-year, Tyson had 27 points on seven goals and 20 assists. The Statesmen went 21-8-2, advancing to the national semifinal. In his sophomore season, he had 17 points on 10 goals and seven assists. Hobart was 20-5-3 and was set to go to Adrian when the tournament was canceled due to the pandemic. During his senior season, he recorded 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists. Hobart was 20-6-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament. Tyson is the 24th player in program history to play in 100 career games. He finished tied for third on Hobart's career games played list. He is also tied for sixth with five career shorthanded goals.
 
"The season in France is similar to our college season here at Hobart, playing a little over 30 games, so it is on the shorter side," Tyson added. "The style of play fits me well with the Olympic size ice sheet. I have talked to many players who played at Hobart and who have played in the league, and I got a lot of insight from them and their time in France. From the style of play, what to expect, travel, and more.
 
"Hobart Hockey has prepared me for this transition; for the last five years, we have played in the toughest league in Division III ice hockey; each night is a battle. The practice and the work ethic established here at Hobart Hockey are other areas I know will help me in France. Each practice was a battle, and lifts are not taken lightly here in and out of season.
 
"I cannot thank the coaches, my teammates, past and present, my family and friends enough for this great opportunity. I am excited to get over there and experience everything Europe has to offer."