Feature Series: Tyson Barrie
r By Dana Soleski – Kelownarockets.com
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r It was a foray Tyson Barrie had made many times in his career. But, on this occasion, it was special.
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r In overtime of game six of the Rockets’ WHL Championship Series vs. Calgary last May, Barrie slipped unnoticed to the goal mouth area from his position on the left point. On cue, Jamie Benn delivered a cross crease pass that Barrie tapped home to win the game and send the Rockets to the 2009 Memorial Cup.
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r Needless to say the goal that unleashed a torrent of wild celebration throughout a jubilant Prospera Place won’t be forgotten anytime soon – especially on the part of Barrie himself.
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r “That was the best moment of my career so far,” he says. “Nobody expected us to beat Calgary but we had a great run. To be able to score the winning goal was amazing. The celebration afterwards was surreal.”
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r Though Kelowna ultimately lost to Windsor in the Memorial Cup Final, Tyson had another reason to celebrate just a few weeks later – he was chosen in the 3rd round, 64th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Draft. Since his Dad, Len, a former WHL scoring star, is a part owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a host of interesting dynamics had to be at play.
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r “I actually told my Dad that I didn’t want Tampa to pick me. I wanted to go my own way and he obviously respected that,” clarifies Tyson.
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r “Now that it’s over, I couldn’t be happier going to Colorado. They had rebuilding year last season but they’re right back up in the standings again now. I’m looking forward to going there and becoming part of the team one day.”
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r Rockets’ president and general manager, Bruce Hamilton, has no doubt that the smooth puck-handling albeit smallish defenseman (5’10” 190 lbs.) will do just that.
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r “I think he’s going to have a very successful NHL career,” says Hamilton. “Colorado took both him and Stefan Elliot – two guys who are similar in that they bring some unique offensive skills to the table.”
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r “And Tyson is a way better defensive player than he gets credit for. Don’t forget that he played with Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers so he’s got the training ground. He has everything you look for in a pro player.”
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r Barrie has been a solid force on the Rockets’ blueline since breaking in as a 16-year-old for the 2007-08 season, but this season, the stakes are higher. He’s considered the club’s top defender and will be counted on heavily in all situations. Despite suffering a sprained MCL and missing nearly a month of action, Barrie hasn’t disappointed so far. He’s picked up 14 points in 11 games but modestly deflects any praise.
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r “Since coming back from the injury, my game is just starting to get where I want it,” he said last week. “Our team has had a good power play all season so my points have come easy.”
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r “Tyson’s coming off a tough injury and he knows he’s got to have broader shoulders with Schenn and now Myers gone,” says Hamilton.
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r “But, he’s up for the challenge. If anything, our coaches are trying to get him to do less out there and not think he has to go all the way with the puck every time.”
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r Looking back to his days paired with Schenn and then Myers, Barrie provides some insight into why the Rockets seem to churn out NHL defensemen regularly.
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r “The organization has a great track record in developing defensemen and it all starts with the scouting. But, certainly the players themselves and the coaches take a hand in that.”
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r “I was lucky enough to play with Luke and Tyler and I learned so much from them – things I can pass on to younger guys. So, I think a lot of the success comes from the players themselves.”
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