With the current NHL schedule rotation, the Tampa Bay Lightning will only play in Calgary once every three years.
Luckily for 21-year-old Airdrie native Dana Tyrell, his chance to play in front of the home crowd came just 25 games into his professional career.
The 5’ 10” centre, and former AAA Bantam Airdrie Xtreme standout, was excited for his NHL debut on Oct. 9 and was thrilled after his first goal against Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. But he’s had Dec. 7 circled on his calendar for some time – although he would’ve preferred a better result.
“I’ve never won a game in this building,” Tyrell said following Tampa Bay’s 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames, Dec. 7. “It’s a tough building to play in, that’s for sure, but it was my first time playing in the NHL in front of my family and friends, so it was exciting. It was too bad we didn’t win, but I still enjoyed it.”
Tyrell, who was selected 47th overall by Tampa Bay in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, had about 50 family and friends in attendance. He played 12:26 during 19 shifts, including several penalty kill situations and time immediately after each of the first three Calgary goals.
He had a great chance to score in the second period when he challenged the play at the defensive blue line during a Calgary power play, chipped the puck into the neutral zone and went in on a partial breakaway.
“We put a lot of pressure on them, and I don’t know who coughed it up, but I got a chance there and think I probably had more time than I thought and could have made a deke around him (Calgary goalie Miikka Kiprusoff),” Tyrell said. “I tried to go high blocker-side and it’s too bad it didn’t go in.”
“He was one of our better players tonight,” said Lightning head coach Guy Boucher. “He’s one of those hard-nosed, relentless guys that deserved to stay with us. He deserved it at the beginning of the year and he deserves it now. I’m not surprised that he’s doing that well because he’s working so hard.”
Tyrell has six points in his 25 games so far this season, playing primarily on the fourth line with Nate Thompson and Adam Hall. But he also has the influence of playing alongside superstars like Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier on a daily basis, something he says has been a great experience.
“It’s exciting. We have a lot of all-stars on this team and I learn something new everyday from practice. On and off the ice, they’re great leaders and very skilled players,” Tyrell said. “It’s been a learning experience and every league is a new step and it takes a lot to get used to. I’m just starting to get my confidence here now and I just want to keep moving forward and put up more numbers.”
“He’s brought a lot to the team and certainly in key moments,” Boucher said. “Tonight he got himself a few times to the goalie and he could have made something happen. I really enjoy having him on the team and I’m a big fan of his speed and drive – and he’s fearless. He’s a great addition to our team.”
“The coach has confidence in me and that’s huge,” Tyrell said. “As a young player, the coach has to have confidence in you or else you’re going to be playing in the minors. I’m a role player as a rookie here, playing third or fourth line and penalty killing.”
The Lightning will play in Edmonton, Dec. 10, after spending two days in Banff as part of a team-building exercise.
