Dana Tyrell

Name: Dana Tyrell
Position: Center/Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 5.10
Weight: 185 lbs
Born: 4/23/89
Acquired: 2007 Entry Draft, 2nd round, 47 Overall

Junior Career
Tyrell began his junior career after being selected in the 5th Round, 97th overall in the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft. The native of Airdaire, Alberta played just 1 game in the 2004-2005 season for the Cougars registering zero points and 2 penalty minutes. In 2005-2006, Tyrell played his first full season in the WHL posting 7 goals and 18 points along with 44 penalty minutes in 69 games. That year Tyrell also appeared in 5 playoff games going scoreless with 2 penalty minutes. Entering his draft year Tyrell was a relative unknown but he had a strong breakout season for Prince George scoring 30 goals and 56 points in 72 games to go with 51 penalty minutes. In the playoffs Tyrell tallied 1 goal and 7 points in 15 games with 4 penalty minutes. At season's end he was ranked 15th amongst North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Service and 30th by the Redline Report. Tyrell was selected by the Lightning in the 2nd Round, 47th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared for Canada in the Canada/Russia U20 Super Series in the summer of 2007. In 2007-2008 Tyrell was the best player on a cellar dwelling Prince George team posting 25 goals and 65 points in 68 games with 47 penalty minutes and a -26 rating.

Professional Career
At the end of his junior season with Prince George in 2007-2008, Tyrell signed an amateur tryout contract with the Norfolk Admirals. In 11 games with the Admirals, Tyrell scored 1 goal and 6 points with 6 penalty minutes and a +1 rating. Unfortunately, the agreement between the NHL and CHL makes Tyrell inelligible to play for the Admirals in 2008-2009, so Tyrell will likely go back to the junior ranks before making his full professional debut in the organization in 2009-2010.

Talent Analysis
Pros:
Tyrell is an outstanding skater with great top end speed and, more importantly, outstanding acceleration. Tyrell is a hard worker who loves to forecheck and isn't afraid to go into high traffic areas. Possesses above average playmaking abilities and a good shot. Redline Report compared him to NHLers Antoine Vermette and Chris Kunitz prior to the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Cons:
Tyrell's lack of size is his one glaring liability and there is some question if his offensive skills are good enough to translate to the NHL level.

Future
Tyrell's speed and willingness to forecheck make him an ideal candidate to one day ascend to a scoring line with the Lightning. Tyrell might never be a featured 30-40 goal scorer in the NHL, but he could be a 20+ goal a year complimentary winger whose ability win races to loose pucks and dig in the corners makes him a key assett to his linemates.

Statistics Courtesy of hockeydb.com

Profile Created 6/24/07 by Pete Choquette