GONE CAMPIN’ 

As the upcoming NHL season fast approaches, many of your 67’s favourites will be heading to NHL camps to strut their stuff. With that in mind let’s catch up with some of your barber pole favourites as they take their first step towards an NHL career.

Today’s feature: Former 67  #61 TYLER CUMA

On entering 3^rd year of Minnesota camps, and how it may be different, being more mature in the process

“For the most part I know what to expect, I know what the tournament in Michigan is all about and when I get to main camp what to expect, as well. But it will be a little different this year, with a lot more expectations on me and some of the other younger guys in the organization that are kind of on the verge of making it, or not, so…I’m just going into the camp with the same mindset of trying to make the team even though I know it’s going to be quite hard when there are six guys pretty much locked down on one way contracts and the 7^th spot is open. It’s between me and four or five other guys so it will be quite the competition come camp time.”

On what he has learned from prior camps that will perhaps will give him an edge to gain the final d-spot                               

“I’ve seen what the NHL guys do throughout the summers, and the different workout programs you receive from the coaches, so this summer I’ve done a lot more in the gym and the most away from the gym that I’ve ever done during the summer time. I feel good and I’m finally healthy, for once! I’ve added a few extra pounds and I just feel like I have a lot more energy. I’ve also been on a diet plan throughout the entire summer so I can gain strength and become stronger in the gym, as well. I think this summer has been a lot different in the aspect of how I have done things differently to prepare for the camps.”

On how it is different knowing he will be playing pro against men, whether at the AHL or NHL level

“They’ve (Minnesota) told me ever since the season ended that it would be my final year of jr hockey, so I know there’s no going back now, so if I want to make it to the NHL this year, I have to do it this year. If not, they’ll send me down to Houston. Either way I’ll be playing against pros at each level, obviously first and foremost I want to make Minnesota. There had been that comfort zone in the past couple of years when I knew I was going to come back to Ottawa, the AHL was not a factor. Coming in as an 18 or a 19 year-old trying to crack a pretty defensive line-up would require me to have the camp of my career, so I kind of knew coming into the camps as a kid I wasn’t going to make it, just because of who they had already and their philosophy.  But now I’m kind of just on the fence, I just don’t know which way I’m going to go (AHL or NHL) so we’ll see come September what happens for me.”

On his attitude returning from most recent rookie camp

“I had a great camp, I was in great shape. I did well in all of the fitness scores and on the ice. When we had our exit meetings they said (Minnesota) I was making a lot of big improvements in the right directions and they were happy with my attitude and testing and my on-ice performance. They told me to get ready for camp because I’ll have a shot at making the team if I earn it, but realistically they’d rather have me develop a little bit more in Houston, so..it’s all up to me and if I make them have to make a hard decision, hopefully I’ll stick.”

On what his goals would be if he plays in the AHL

“I think I’d just like to get some playing time, regardless of where I am. Whether it’s the AHL or the NHL I just want to get regular shifts and play in all situations so I can become more comfortable and gain experience during that time so if I do ever get called up to the NHL I know what to expect. I want to learn from other guys I play with and other coaches. I know the coaches have all been hired back in, so that will help us a lot, it will be good.”

On handling the constant pressure of being a number one pick

“I’m not going to lie, there are certain things that I’ve read here or there, and I’m sure every player does it….they say I’m a bust already and I haven’t even played anything. I think they just look at the stuff I did in jr and I pretty much lost the whole year, that one year with the knee (injury.) I feel pressure, but at the same time I don’t because there are a lot of other guys they probably expect more from that are already on the team itself, and they might look to me as a young kid to come in and play better than some of the regulars there now. Being a first round pick there will always be those people that will say I’m a bust and then suggest other players who the team should have picked instead of me. For the most part, I put that aside and just worry about going out there and playing.”

On finally being able to reach the level of pro hockey, after working so hard to get to this point

“It’s exciting, but also the nerves are kicking in too, because you don’t know what to expect. You know the next level of hockey is very high, whether you’re at the NHL or AHL level and there are always those “what if” factors. You know – “what if you didn’t work hard enough during the season” and you want to make sure you can play that up tempo, pro game. Those guys are a lot bigger and faster than me, so I have to make sure that I’m ready for it. It’s always exciting playing for a new team in a new city, and hopefully moving up to the highest point that you can. At the same time, you’re nervous not knowing exactly what is going to happen.”

Cuma will also hit the ice in Traverse City this September. Here is a former 67 that could be a regular NHL-er next season. Make sure to follow Tyler as he pursues his goal to break through main camp and crack the opening night line-up.