Alumni Report: Dave Lylyk
Kirsty Budd, Guelph Storm Staff
GuelphStorm.com had a chance to interview the alumni that attended the Storm’s alumni weekend on June 11 and 12. Thirty-six former players, including 10 who do or did skate in the NHL at one point, took part in the game. Several other alumni also watched the game from behind the bench. The weekend also included a BBQ and alumni-only banquet. The proceeds from the game went to several local charities, including the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.
Dave Lylyk only played with the Guelph Storm for one year but he enjoyed Guelph so much he now calls it home.
While Lylyk didn’t have to travel far for the Storm’s alumni weekend he still made sure he could attend so that he would have a chance to catch up with old friends and meet other alumni.
Lylyk played with the Storm during the 94-95 season and his favourite memory of that season was making it to the Storm’s first OHL regular season Championship. “That whole year was a great one and my only regret was that I couldn’t have spent more time with the organization. I played for a few other teams and they can’t touch Guelph,” he said.
Lylyk had many reasons as to why the Storm holds a place in his heart. “Guelph is such an important organization because of the high importance they put on academics,” he said. “Hockey can take up a lot of your time if you let it and I think it’s great that the Storm continues to push kids to still put the time in and do well in school.”
Lylyk also commended Guelph on the importance they place on alumni activities. “I think it’s very meaningful that Guelph hosts alumni events because there is still a strong camaraderie among former teammates and we all feel loyal to the organization.”
After junior, Dave played for Charlotte (ECHL), San Antonio (CHL), Nashville (CHL), Memphis (CHL), Abilene (WPHL), Oklahoma City (CHL), Fort Worth (CHL), San Angelo (WPHL), Bakersfield (WCHL) and Phoenix (WCHL).
Lylyk now coaches AAA Minor Atom hockey in Guelph and his advice to his young players is to “relax and always enjoy the game and the journey”.
