|
| |
|
|
|
Tyrell back in P.G., and ready to lead |
|
|
|
Written by JIM SWANSON, Citizen Sports Editor
|
|
Wednesday, 01 October 2008 |
Dana Tyrell believes he belongs at a higher level, but that's not going to keep him from doing the best he can at this one.
Tyrell, the captain of the Prince George Cougars, will see his first home action of the WHL season when the Chilliwack Bruins arrive for a doubleheader -- games Friday and Saturday at CN Centre. Tyrell, now a 19-year-old and the longest-tenured player on the team, was on the ice last weekend as the Cats lost in Vancouver but rebounded with an overtime victory in Chilliwack.
"I definitely feel I can play there, and I could've played there this year," said Tyrell, who had a lengthy stay at the main camp of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I had a really good camp, so now it's an adjustment coming back here. I brought back some experience that I think is going to help me out."
Tyrell took every chance he could to learn from players like Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Vinny Prospal.
"First day I got there, I got to play on a line with St. Louis and Prospal," said Tyrell, who is generously listed at five-foot-11, adding with a laugh: "(St. Louis) is about three inches shorter than me.
"It was fun, I learned a lot, and I think I know now what I need to do to make it up there."
Tyrell was Tampa's first pick in the 2007 NHL draft -- second round, 47th overall -- and is hoping to get his first NHL contract signed and sealed. The best thing he can do to complete that process is to show he can lead an inexperienced Cougars team that has bolted out to a refreshing 3-1-0-0 start to the season.
"I'm the captain here and it's been awhile since I've been in that role, but it's something I've wanted since I was 16," said Tyrell.
"We have a bunch of young guys who want to play and the guys on this team want to win, and that makes all the difference from what's happened before."
One thing everyone has noticed about this team is that the focus is on hockey, not on the distractions that have been allowed to take root in past Cougars teams, particularly in years where curfew checks were non-existent.
"I don't think we have any players on this team that will be a distraction, and that's what a winning hockey team needs," said Tyrell.
More than his example of hard work and dedication, the Cougars will need Tyrell's scoring touch. Playing with seasoned veterans in his draft year, Tyrell reached the 30-goal level and was among the team's scoring leaders with 56 points. Last season, without as much support around him, Tyrell was the focus of heavy checking and saw his goal total shrink to 25. He did add 40 assists for a career-high 65 points.
"It's always an adjustment for anyone coming back from pro camp," said head coach Drew Schoneck.
"Sometimes they come back to their junior teams and they feel they have to be Mr.
Everything, and over the weekend we saw Dana trying to do a little too much at times. Dana's at his best when he's playing simple, up and down, going hard to the net and shooting the puck. You'd rather have to pull the reins in than have to whip him."
Cougars in the community
The Cougars announced Wednesday they have entered into an exclusive automotive partnership with the Wood Wheaton group of dealerships -- that includes Schultz Pontiac, Honda North, Prince George Motors and Wood Wheaton. The agreement allows for promotions such VIP parking
"We're now going to be able to have a bit more fun because we'll have a whole year to plan," said Tom Sentes, of Wood Wheaton.
"We have four different stores with four different philosophies that are going to bring some excited promotions. The team leaders at the various stores are excited about the opportunity."
Friday's game promotions will follow a Pink Power theme as the Cougars join the fight against breast cancer, and Saturday's game is The Citizen's Meet the Pack night. The city's daily newspaper gave away 1,000 tickets to subscribers, and on Sunday children aged 5-12 can meet the players in the CN Centre parking lot for a ball hockey game. The time for that is 3 to 4 p.m.
 |
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 October 2008 )
|
|
|
Who's Online
We have 25 guests online
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
