Shea Weber, Josh Gorges, and Duncan Keith are a few NHL defensemen recently churned out of the Kelowna Rockets system. Along with fellow '08 Luke Schenn (chosen 5th overall), it's safe to say that
Tyler Myers has the inside track to someday join his Rocket alumni on hockey's top stage.
“The Rockets have a long a history of doing their own work in drafting defenceman, developing them and getting them ready for the NHL,” said Regier, the Sabres GM.
“We want to use their resources and it’s something we’ll take a lot of confidence in for the next year or two. In junior he’ll continue his development and then, we hope, become a very good pro with us.
“He has a tremendous upside and we think there’s lots there to build on.”
Myers became a key component in Buffalo’s future when the Sabres made him their first choice, 12th overall at Friday’s NHL draft in Ottawa. The lanky blue liner brings some obvious assets to the Sabres—size and reach among them—as well as being a particularly strong skater for a player of his dimensions.
But at just 205 pounds, Myers will need to add considerable bulk and muscle before being ready for the next level.
Myers knows his progression as a player and future with Buffalo will hinge on his own hard work and commitment. “I’ve still have lots of work to do and I know it’s a very hard league to crack,” said Myers.
“I need to put on some weight. With my 6-7 frame it’s hard to do that, but you know this is a going to be big summer for me. I’m excited and happy to be part of the Sabres organization.”
While playing for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, the
towering ex-Texan could easily be playing for the Houston Rockets instead.
Although 6-7 Buffalo Sabres draft pick Tyler Myers started his hockey career in a Texas youth league, he wonders if he might be playing in a different arena if he hadn't moved to Canada.
"If I hadn't made the move, I would be holding a basketball right now down in Texas," Myers said, laughing.
Myers started playing hockey after watching the Houston Aeros, and he became more immersed after his father moved the family to Alberta several years ago to continue his work in the oil business. Although the defenseman could play for Canada or the USA in international play, he recently said he'd play for Canada.
