Barrie Named Western Conference’s Top D-man
By Kevin Parnell
The Western Hockey League confirmed what fans of the Kelowna Rockets have thought for the past six months: Tyson Barrie is the best defenceman in the WHL’s Western Conference.
On Wednesday Barrie was named the WHL Western Conference Defenceman of the Year winning the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for the second straight year. He was also named to the Western Conference’s first all star team.
Barrie admitted he was surprised at the nomination in the Western Conference after missing 18 games this season, some with injury at the start of the year and the rest at the World Junior Championship. He said he was honoured but remained focussed on the task at hand: The upcoming playoffs.
“These are big honours for me,” said Barrie, the Rockets captain who had 11-47-58 in just 54 games this season. “But you never look too much into these awards. It’s great to get recognized every once in a while but I’m just focussed on what we have to do as a team to beat Prince George in the first round and have a long successful playoff run.”
It’s been quite a season for Barrie. Out of the gates the 19-year-old was injured in training camp, missing the Colorado Avalanche training camp and the start of the WHL season. He then played his way onto a spot on Team Canada’s blueline at the world junior tournament. During the tournament he steadily climbed the defensive depth chart with an all-around game in addition to his offensive flair.
All the while Barrie has been in his first season as Rockets captain, something that makes this season his most special as a Kelowna Rocket. Sunday at the Rockets awards ceremony, he pulled off the captain’s speech, another in a long line of duties as Rockets captain.
“It is different,” he said. “Last year I had a bit of a leadership role but this year is definitely special. It’s my turn to be the leader of this team. We had a pretty successful regular season but I think you get measured on how good of a leader you are on how successful you are when it matters: In the playoffs. That’s something I want to do, to have a deep run in the playoffs. It would be pretty special to be a leader on the team that went on to win something.”
Barrie is already a winner in the eyes of Rockets fans. He made his debut as a highly touted 15-year-old whose offensive skill was off the charts. In seven games as a 15-year-old Barrie had three helpers. The minus three he took that year was the only time he’s ever been a minus player. As a 16-year-old he had 43 points, then put up 52 and 72 points the next two years, culminating with his 19-year-old season this year.
Barrie was the only Rockets player named to the Western Conference’s first or second all star teams. Rockets Most Valuable Player Adam Brown was overlooked for a spot on the all star team or as the WHL Western Conference Goalie of the Year. Barrie said that was another reason not to put too much stock into awards.
“I think Brownie has been the catalyst for this team,” said Barrie. “He’s played so well since we struggled at the start of the year. The whole team struggled but he’s really turned it on. That’s the reason we turned it around. He’s played awesome and he’s only going to get better in the playoffs.”
The playoffs begin this Friday and Saturday at Prospera Place in Kelowna. Check for tickets here.
