Dana Tyrell is still trying to come down from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s unexpected run to the Eastern Conference finals earlier this year, but the Airdrie native knows he’s got another big season ahead of him.
The 22-year-old centre will be heading into the final year of his contract when the NHL’s 2011-12 season opens in October, and he knows the Lightning will also face increased anticipation to produce this year.
“There is definitely going to be more expectation going into this season for everybody going into camp,” Tyrell said, adding he wants to stay in Tampa after this season.
“(General manager) Steve Yzerman and our coach Guy Boucher definitely made it clear that no one’s spot is really safe. I think that’s definitely directed towards a guy like me, as I was the only rookie on the team this year. We have some good prospects and new guys coming up, so I’m going to have to earn my ice and earn my spot. I’ve got to have that same rookie mentality I had last year going into camp.”
Lightning camp opens on Sept. 15, so Tyrell has decided to ramp up his training during the month of August. He’s now up to five or six off-season workouts per week, and just moved onto the ice earlier this week alongside fellow Airdronian Zach Boychuk, and other NHLers Mike Green and Jordan Eberle, at a facility in Calgary.
“We’re competing and trying to push each other so we have more successful seasons than last year,” Tyrell said. “We’re starting to skate here every day and that’s a big difference from July. We’re trying to get into game shape instead of just lifting weights and getting stronger. It’s time to get ready for camp and the season with my skating, speed and getting the feel for the puck back.”
Tyrell and his Tampa teammates will have a new look in their division this season, as the Southeast will include the newly relocated Winnipeg Jets for 2011-12. This could create some odd travel scenarios when the Lightning have to fly from Tampa to the Manitoba capital, then back to Florida in a short time span.
But it’s all part of the NHL experience, Tyrell said.
“I haven’t looked at the schedule yet, but I know we go to Winnipeg a few times,” he said. “It’s going to be weird going from Tampa to Winnipeg – one of the coldest places in Canada. But it will be an exciting atmosphere there and I’m excited to play there.”
Before he heads down to Florida for training camp, Tyrell will make an appearance at the Aug. 25 Raise the Rinks golf fundraiser, where the money raised will help support Phase III of Genesis Place, at Airdrie’s Woodside Golf Course.
“I’m always going to give back to the community of Airdrie,” he said. “I’m excited to play in that tournament – it should be fun getting a few guys out there and hopefully raising some money for the community.”
Coming back to Airdrie this summer was a tougher decision than usual this year, Tyrell said, after the added success Tampa had in the postseason.
But he’s been able to balance his training regimen with the occasional round of golf and time hanging out with friends and family.
“It’s been a shorter summer, since we went so far in the playoffs, but I like to come back to Airdrie in the summer to hang out with them,” he said.
“It’s not too different, but I get a few more ‘hellos’ and ‘congratulations on the season’ around town. I was trying to decide if I was going to stay in Tampa, or get a place in Calgary or Airdrie. I think I made the right decision.”
