Merritt BC – Team social media coordinator Katie Campbell caught up with Merritt Centennials captain from the 2017-18 season Tyrell Buckley on his commitment to Michigan Tech University of the WCHA, NCAA Division 1 hockey.
What made you choose Michigan Tech? – I chose Michigan Tech because of its winning tradition and their history of developing defence man. It’s a great school academically and has a terrific campus. I have heard so many good things about the whole experience there!
If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing instead? – I don’t know what I would be doing if I didn’t play hockey! I always have! Probably just be going to school at the moment.
Who in Merritt are you going to miss the most? – I’m going to miss everyone there, especially my billets. I spent four great years there and will always stay in touch with.
You played 211 BCHL games, all with the Centennials. What’s the one thing you’re going to miss about the organization? – I’m going to miss the group of guys that I played with last season! A lot of amazing people that I wish nothing but the best for in the future.
Who is your role model on the ice? – Sidney Crosby is a good role model to look up to on the ice. He works hard every day and is consistent. He is also a tremendous leader.
Who is your role model off the ice? – I look up to my parents a lot, I’ve learned to be respectful and hard working from them.
Do you think you’ll have to adapt a new role at Michigan Tech? – I’ll have to adapt to being able to balance school and hockey this upcoming season. I’ll try to play the role they want me to play to the best of my ability and try to improve and learn everyday I’m there.
What’s your favourite memory from playing with the Centennials? – My favorite memory in Merritt was the whole playoff run in the 2016/17 season, I’ll never forget that team and scoring the goal in game 6 against Penticton was really special!
Last season, in the playoffs vs Penticton, you scored the biggest goal in the Centennials season to force a seventh game, what was going through your mind when you got the puck past Mat Robson? – I just tried to shoot as quick as I could and didn’t see it go in right away, but heard the crown erupt and then celebrated with my teammates. It was a great moment.
Who was the first person you called when Michigan Tech became official? – I called my parents first when I accepted the offer! They supported me so much all my life and it was so special to make that call to them when I decided on Michigan Tech!
Buckley would also like to add: The coaches were amazing and helped me improve as a player, the fans were great and really supported the team well in the playoffs!
PHOTO: Garrett James
