The 2010-11 season is still several months and over 20 games from completion, yet already the
For someone who last year scored a career high of 13 goals, the fact that midseason Michel is currently in the League’s Top 10 Scorers with 23 goals and 27 assists infers a great deal about the 26 year old.
Indeed, when Michel’s points’ tally is combined with his gritty style of play and incredible work ethic, it is more than clear why he ended last season – and remains to this day – at the top of most Devils fans’ wish-lists.
It turns out, however, that the
“I feel great about being back! A big reason why I came back is because I got treated so well by the fans; they made me feel at home and it’s a really nice feeling. I received some nice accolades last year from the fans and the coach’s award and I was very very proud of that – it was very special.”
But although the 2009-10 season ended with Devils fans being more than impressed by the team’s youngest import, the right winger was already harbouring hopes of improvement:
“Another thing about coming back, besides the fans, was that I knew what to expect this year: I knew what my role was – what I bring to the table – so my nerves didn’t come into play at all. So, I came into the start of this season more confident and in the knowledge that I could have a better season than the year before and I think, so far, I’ve built on that.
“In the off-season I set some personal goals for myself and I want to accomplish them. Obviously I also have team goals, like I’m desperate to win a championship because it’s been forever, so that’s number one goal; but, as an athlete, you do have to set some individual goals and I’ve been looking to score more goals and more assists this season.
“I’ve always believed that I can contribute to the scoring and I’ve had quite a few chances this year and I just really want to focus on finishing them. So, instead of looking back and being like ‘oh, I had a lot of chances tonight’, I’d rather be like ‘I had a lot of chances, but I had a goal or two’ – it’s all about capitalising on those opportunities.”
The statistics certainly suggest that Michel is making the most of his chances; however, ultimately, the forward’s aims go beyond purely increasing his numbers:
“I believe in myself as a player and I know I can help this team win, so hopefully I just continue growing and becoming a better player.”
Indeed, it seems that it is Michel’s continual desire for self-improvement that has seen him progressively build upon his role within the Devils.
Michel said: “I haven’t really changed my role throughout my college or pro career. I’ve always been a player that loves the physical aspect of the game and if I’m the first one on the forecheck, I’m going to finish my check every single time.
“I like to think that my [physical] play opens up some ice for my linemates and I know that checks can cause turnovers which means that we then have a chance at a goal, so they will always be a part of my game.”
There is, however, much more to Michel’s game than hard hits and scoring; the forward additionally continues to demonstrate strong defensive skills and, no matter where he plays, it seems that he rapidly develops a cult following for his willingness to put his body on the line in order to block his rivals shots.
“I credit my dad a lot, it all dates back to my time in minor hockey where I was always a skilled player, but I wasn’t the best player; my dad made sure I focused on the little things which can actually be hugely important in a game,” said Michel.
“Even if you’re not the best player or team, if you’re blocking every shot it just helps the goalie out tremendously.”
When it comes to the Devils, Michel is quick to point out that he is not the only team member to block shots without a moment’s hesitation, citing in particular the lengths that Edmonton native Mark Smith will go to in order to help out his team.
Michel said: “In one of our road games Hull had this great chance, but Mark put his body on the line and he actually took a puck to the face; things like that are very scary to see, but it just goes to show what some guys will do to help their team win.
“It’s the little things just like that – blocking shots, finishing your checks, trying not to turnover the puck in the bad areas – that you can bring to the table and which can make all the difference. So, those are the things that I’ve always tried to focus on and then, obviously, I try to put the puck in the net too!”
Since Michel presently stands within the League’s Top 10 Scorers and since the Devils winning streak has now reached 20 games, there can be no doubt that the forward and his teammates are currently doing the little – and big – things exceedingly well.
We thank Tylor Michel for his time.
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