Myers feature
r Story courtesy of the Kelowna Capital News
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r When Tyler Myers boards a flight for Buffalo on Saturday, it could signal the official end to his career with the Kelowna Rockets.
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r The 6-foot-8 rearguard is headed for Sabres’ training camp where it’s expected he’ll be given every opportunity to make the NHL team’s roster.
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r It feels much like a case of déjà vu for the Rockets’ brass who sent 18-year-old Luke Schenn off to Toronto 12 months ago only to watch him stick with the Leafs for good.
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r “It’s tough to go through this two years in a row,” said Rockets president and GM Bruce Hamilton, “but that’s the business we’re in. Defense is the hardest position to fill and, if Tyler goes, it’s going to mean rushing our younger guys along faster than we’d like.
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r “On the other hand,” added Hamilton, “Tyler is a very unique and elite player, and if he doesn’t come back, we wish him the best. If we do get him back, it’s a bonus.”
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r Myers is one of a franchise record 12 members of the Rockets who are either at, or on their way to NHL training camps this week.
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r The Sabres’ first-round draft pick—12th overall—in 2008, Myers’ game took some dramatic steps forward in 2008-09 as he won a gold medal with the Canadian junior team in Ottawa, then was named the playoff MVP in leading the Rockets to the Western Hockey League title.
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r While the Sabres traditionally haven’t promoted young defencemen to their opening day roster, Myers’ size and skating ability may elicit a change of philosophy from the Sabres.
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r One variable that may stand in Myers’ way is his relatively low body weight—224 pounds—in comparison to his lanky frame.
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r As a 19-year-old, Myers isn’t eligible to play in the American Hockey League this season. The only scenarios for 2009-10 would see Myers playing in the WHL or NHL.
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r Regardless of where he lands, the Houston native feels well prepared for his second pro camp with Buffalo.
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r “Having one year and one camp under my belt, I’m going in with some confidence,” Myers said. “I’m very excited to go in there, do the best I can and just keep things simple. Whatever they have planned for me I’ll accept.
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r “I’d love to play with Buffalo this year, but I know there’s a possibility I may get sent back. If that happens, Kelowna’s not a bad place to come play hockey and I don’t think another year of development would hurt me at all.”
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r A pair of Rocket veterans who won’t be back in Kelowna are forwards Jamie Benn (Dallas) and Cody Almond (Minnesota) who both have pro contracts. However, the start of Almond’s pro career has been delayed. The 6-foot-2 centre suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament to his right knee during a team practise Aug. 26 and will be off skates for another three weeks.
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r Almond expects to start the season with the Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate in Houston.
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r “I would have gone to Minnesota’s camp on the (Sept.) 12th and maybe played in some exhibition games and see what happens, but unfortunately with the injury I’m not going to get the chance,” said Almond, who registered 27 points in last spring’s WHL playoffs. “But there’s nothing I can do except try to rehab and get healthy as soon as I can. It could have been a lot worse, so I feel lucky too. I’m not going to rush it so I’m sure it’s good before I get back out there.”
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r Other Rockets at NHL training camps are: Colin Long (Phoenix), Lucas Bloodoff (Phoenix), Evan Bloodoff (Phoenix), Brandon McMillan (Anaheim), Mitchell Callahan (Detroit), Tyson Barrie (Colorado), Collin Bowman (Ottawa), Kyle St. Denis (Dallas) and Stepan Novotny (Edmonton).
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r Rocket Shots…
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r Adam Brown stopped 38 shots for the shutout as the Rockets beat Vancouver 2-0 in WHL preseason action Wednesday night in Ladner. Spencer Main and Kyle St. Denis scored the goals as Kelowna pushed its exhibition record to 1-2…The Rockets will host Kamloops Saturday, then will wrap up the preseason Friday, Sept. 11 at home to the Giants.
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