Tyler Myers is currently a defenseman with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. Eligible for the draft this year, you have likely never heard of the 6’7, 202 pounder because he plays on the same team as Luke Schenn, one the players Pierre McGuire went on and on about in the Canada-Russia Super Series.
Myers is a hot prospect in his own right. Currently ranked 29th amongst skaters by ISS for the 2008 draft, he is one of those rare big men who can move. A recent Illegal Curve interview with Gregg Drinnan of Taking Note indicated that while Myers may not be as mobile as Schenn, he isn’t that far off and makes up for this shortcomings with an enormous wingspan.
Myers is now in his 3rd season with the Rockets and isn’t yet 18. He graduated from the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan AAA league and played a few games with the Rockets as a 15 year old. The Calgary native has had to overcome growth spurts which affected his balance and mobility, but Myers has accepted it as part of learning the game and seems to have found a comfort zone with his frame.
With his spot on the team secure, Myers has been focusing this year on adding an offensive element to his game. Working close with coach Ryan Huska, the defender has been looking to use his natural reach and skating ability as a basis for getting his name on the scoresheet more often. In addition to working on his offensive game, Myers has been trying to prepare better mentally for each game in the hopes that starting the process in junior will make him a better pro.
Watch for Myers’ name to be called much earlier than 29th in the upcoming draft.
