Features > Player Spotlight- #20 Tyler Tymchuk
Player Spotlight- #20 Tyler Tymchuk
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR- If you happen to hear a boisterous laugh or movie quote coming from the Generals bus or locker room, there is a pretty good chance it is coming from the Generals only Canadian, Tyler Tymchuk. Tymchuk’s youthful exuberance in almost any situation off the ice is welcome enthusiasm among the players and staff, and his attitude helps everybody get through the everyday drudgery of Junior hockey. The same exuberance the 5-10 140 lb. native of Edmonton, AB shows off the ice is becoming more and more visible in his creativity on the ice. In 24 games this season Tymchuk ranks eleventh in NORPAC with 40 points. He is also tied for fifth in goals with 21. Tymchuk is currently riding an eleven game point streak, and has eleven multiple point games this season.
CB: You come from Edmonton, AB. What was it like to come to Eugene from an area that is totally engulfed with hockey?
TT: It’s a little different because people are talking about different sports like football and basketball. Back home all everybody ever talks about is hockey.
CB: Do you feel like you have something to prove because you’re a Canadian playing in an American Junior hockey league?
TT: I somewhat feel like I have something to prove being a Canadian playing Junior hockey in America. Like I said, I come from an all hockey background, so it’s almost expected that I’m good at hockey.
CB: How did you decide to play for the Generals?
TT: I was in a camp in BC, and Coach Hartly asked me to come play for the Generals. I told him that I was trying out for a team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and if that fell through then I’d be down in Eugene playing for him.
CB: You have more than twice as many points, in almost half the games, with the Generals this season than last season. What has been the difference in your game?
TT: I just couldn’t put the puck in the net last year. Now I’m burying more of my chances. It could be because I have a year of Juniors under my belt. I feel more confident this year, and I just seem to be putting the puck in the back of the net more this year.
CB: How would you describe yourself as a player?
TT: Fast, quick, good hands and smart with the puck.
CB: What is your favorite team to play against in NORPAC, and why?
TT: My favorite team to play against is Seattle. They’re the biggest challenge for me personally, and for the team. It’s always a battle, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
CB: At 5-9 140 lb. you’re not the biggest player in the league. How do you make up for your lack of size?
TT: Smartness with the puck and speed.
CB: What are your goals for this season?
TT: I guess I have a few. One would be to be top ten in points in NORPAC. Second would be most goals on our team, and, or, have a high shooting percentage.
CB: Where would you like to be next season?
TT: Back home if anything. Playing in the AJHL.
CB: What is your favorite hockey moment of all time?
TT: Winning Minor Hockey Week with my dad as a coach.