Q&A with Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams played 41 regular season games with the T-Birds, scoring one goal and six assists for a total of 7 points. He played in all 20 2017 WHL playoff games and put up two goals with three assists for five points. This was his first season with the Thunderbirds after playing one full season with Swift Current in 2015-16 then 25 games of the 2016-17 season. He joined us for a quick chat about his first time playing with the T-Birds and what is yet to come in the 2017-18 season.
Seattle Thunderbirds: First off thanks so must for joining us Tyler! How has your summer been so far?
Tyler Adams: It’s been good, it was a short one but I’m excited to get back to Seattle to start the season.
ST: A big congratulations are in order for being a part of the teams WHL Championship! How does it feel?
TA: Incredible! It was a dream come true to win it, especially with the great group of guys that we had.
ST: What was it like to win the Championship in front of family and friends, and against a team you followed when you were younger?
TA: A dream come true. Only one team a year gets to win it. Being able to win against the team you’ve idolized growing up just made it that much better. It would have been nice to win at home in Seattle but I’m glad all my family got to be there for that moment.
ST: You started out the season with Swift Current then came to the T-Birds in a trade. What did you know of Seattle before joining the team?
TA: I knew they had a very good run last year and that they were having some injury problems and were missing Mat for most of the first half. I knew they were a very strong team and once they got all of their guys back they would start to dominate the league.
ST: With Matt O’Dette as the new head coach, what are you expecting to change or remain the same for this next season?
TA: I think most things will be similar. He’s been with the team for a long time and I’m sure all the staples of our game will still remain the same. We’ll still be expected to compete at our hardest and have a good work ethic.
ST: What was it like scoring your first goal as a T-Bird against the I-5 rival Portland?
TA: It was great. I think all of my regular season goals came against Portland!
ST: What are some of the biggest differences you’ve experienced going from playing in Canada to playing in Seattle?
TA: The style of the game was something to adjust to when I first got traded. A lot more structure and physicality in the US Division. The fans also were a lot different in a good way. They’re great in this division, games always have a lot of people and they really get into the game.
ST: How does scoring in the playoffs compare to a regular season game?
TA: There’s a lot more on the line obviously. Anytime you score and contribute it’s a good feeling but in the playoffs, everything is magnified so it definitely feels better getting goals in big games.
ST: You are originally from Regina, what was it like playing against the Regina Pats in the Championship series?
TA: I grew up watching the team and I was a huge Pats fan as a kid. All I wanted to do was play for them and play in the WHL. It’s hard to put into words but getting a chance to play in the finals against my hometown team was very surreal. I’m very grateful for Seattle giving me the opportunity to be a part of this Championship team and it’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
ST: What lessons or experiences will you take from last season into the 2017-18 season?
TA: How much it really takes to win. The hard work and commitment to playing your role. It takes everyone on a team to win and everyone needs to play their role in order to be successful. You’ve got to have short term memory during the year, never get too low and never get too high.
ST: Is there anything specific you are hoping to improve on for the next season?
TA: My speed and contributing more offensively
ST: Tell the fans a little something that they should expect from you this season?
TA: More physical play which they’ve seen and I’m hoping they can see a more offensive side to my game.
ST: That is all the time we have thank you so much for joining us Tyler!
TA: Thanks for having me!
Seattle Thunderbirds Media & Public Relations Intern Malea Baumgartner conducted Q&A interview with Tyler Adams. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off-season with returning T-Birds players.
