Throwback Thursday Q&A with Tyler Spurgeon
Kelownarockets.com caught up with Tyler Spurgeon. In 284 games with the Rockets Spurgeon put up 163 points, 104 penalty minutes, and wore the C on his jersey for the ’05-’06 season. This weeks throw back player is Tyler Spurgeon.
KR: Hey Tyler thanks for taking the time to catch up with us.
TS: Thanks for contacting me.
KR: Lets go back to the start of becoming a part of the Rockets family. You were drafted by the club at the 2001 WHL Bantam draft, what was it like to move away from home, and play major junior hockey?
TS: I was very fortunate to be drafted in the first round by the Rockets. I remember the excitement of going to Kelowna for training camps, and becoming familiar with the organization. I could see early on that Kelowna was a very special place to play. I think in your first season away from home you are always somewhat torn. It takes time to adjust to being away from family and friends, but at the same time you are getting to be a part of something you always dreamed of. You quickly begin to make new friends within the team and community, which makes it feel like your new home over time. Kelowna was a dream city to play junior hockey in. The organization took great care of us, and taught us how to be young men. At the same time we had exceptional support through the community, which made it exciting to play in front of encouraging crowds every game.
KR: You were part of a special run here in Kelowna winning two Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies, two Ed Chenyworth Cups, and of course the 2004 Memorial Cup. What was it like to be an integral part of all of that?
TS: Playing for the Rockets over those 4 years and winning the different championships are some of the fondest memories of my hockey career. We had a great group of players that wanted to win every night. We were willing to do whatever it took for the team to succeed, and pushed each other to make that happen. We counted on each other every night and didn’t want to let each other down. We had great leadership from the management, coaches and veterans in that time. This combination created a winning environment that gave us the confidence to perform year after year.
KR: You were able to play against your little brother Jared who played for Spokane during your last season in the WHL what was that like?
TS: Playing against Jared will always be a special memory. We are best friends, and talk on a daily basis even now when we are on opposite sides of the world. It was definitely different seeing him on the other side of the ice or going down against him during the play. You are a competitor and want to win no matter what, but at the same time you are a big brother who wants your brother to do well. We both joke about the game still on occasion, Rockets won, but Jared scored so in the end I think my parents got to see the best-case scenario.
KR: What do you miss the most about Kelowna?
TS: That’s a tough question. On the ice it is definitely the feeling that no matter what takes place throughout the game, we are going to find a way to win. We had a very close team that was able to build a unique trust and belief. We wouldn’t be denied. As for Kelowna as a city the list is very long. The fans were phenomenal, the city itself is beautiful, I really couldn’t have asked for a better place to play my junior hockey. I make a point of trying to make my way back to the Okanagan every summer to enjoy the city and visit friends.
KR: The Edmonton Oilers drafted you in the 8th round at the 2004 NHL draft, how excited were you to be drafted by your hometown team?
TS: It was an absolute honour to be drafted by the Oilers. Not only was it special because of their success in winning five Stanley Cups, and having many of the greats like Gretzky, Messier, and Coffey play for them, but also because my earliest memories of hockey involve the Oilers. I was very lucky to attend many games as a youngster, my grandpa had season tickets from the time the Oilers were in the WHA. For me the Oilers were part of growing up so to eventually be in the dressing room for training camp and play exhibition games in front of friends and family in that same arena is something I will never forget.
KR: Since graduating from the Rockets where have you played?
TS: I am currently in my 11th season as a professional since leaving the Rockets. In that time I played in the minors for Edmonton’s affiliates in the AHL, which were the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Springfield Falcons. As well as Calgary’s formers affiliate the Abbotsford Heat for a brief time. I also spent some time in the East Coast Hockey League between Stockton, Boise, and Ontario. When I eventually left North America for Europe I played 4 years in Klagenfurt Austria, in which we made 3 appearances in the finals, winning one league Championship. After that I had a short stint in Switzerland, and now I am currently back in Austria for my second season in Innsbruck. It has been a real journey.
KR: How different is the European style of hockey from the North American?
TS: European hockey is definitely different than back in North America. The games consist of quite a bit more skating as you have to cover the bigger sheet of ice. In general the games are less physical, and more focused on positional play. I think the speed of the game is great as skilled players can really build up speed on the bigger ice surface. It was an adjustment at first when I came to Europe, but I do really enjoy it.
KR: What language do you speak in Austria, and are you fluent in it now?
TS: In Austria we speak German. I am definitely not fluent but get better every year. I would say I am better at understanding and reading German than speaking it myself.
KR: What’s it like to trash talk in a league that has so many players from all over, do you all understand each other?
TS: I think when everyone is wrapped up in the emotion of the game it is pretty easy to understand what guys are saying or meaning to say.
KR: Do you plan to continue working around hockey once you’re done playing, if yes doing what?
TS: I definitely love hockey so staying involved with the game would be my first choice. I’ve been lucky to have great mentors in coaching, skill development and even the fitness aspect of the game, so maybe something in one of those areas. I guess it all depends when things finish on the playing side of things and what opportunities arise.
KR: How did being a member of the Kelowna Rockets organization benefit you?
TS: Playing in Kelowna gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of being a professional hockey player. The Hamilton family and coaches taught us how to be responsible young men, and gave us the tools to be successful in whatever we took on in life. We learned how to live like respectful pros and in doing so we were prepared for life after junior hockey. I am very grateful for this.
KR: Thanks for taking the time Tyler, good luck with the rest of the season!
TS: Anytime, good luck to all current and former Rockets out there in whatever they are doing!
So far this season with HC Innsbruck Tyler has put up 32 points (10G, 22A), and he has racked up 32 penalty minutes over 37 games
By Paige Bednorz
