Michel hoping to be a big hit in Sheffield

SHEFFIELD, U.K. – Tylor Michel is a name familiar to UK hockey fans after spending two seasons in South Wales with the Cardiff Devils.
The gritty forward won a host of awards at the club, and caused some controversy when he signed for fierce rivals the Sheffield Steelers.

After spending four seasons at Wayne State University where he graduated with a Business and Marketing degree, Michel then signed his first professional contract with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL, where he soon became a fan favourite with his gritty and tenacious style of play.
Like many a Canadian boy, Michel from Sudbury, Ontario got into the sport at a young age, when he was asked, “ I was born in Canada.   As much as that is a joke most boys do take up the game at some point because of the popularity of the game in Canada.   My father first put me on skates when I was 2 years old and I joined my first team at the age of 3, sounds crazy doesn’t it?” Michel reminisced.
Michel credited his family as being the biggest influence in his career thus far, “My biggest influence is my family.   When I was younger I had no idea how expensive it was for parents to put their kids in hockey, especially at the highest levels where you travel every weekend. Would have been nice to make the NHL and buy them a house but I know they are extremely proud of my accomplishments,” said the 28-year-old centreman.
He endeared himself to the fans in Bakersfield that much that he was named ‘Tough Guy of the Year’ and ‘Grittiest Player of the Year’ in 2009 at the team end of season awards ceremony.
After his season with the Condors Michel began his European career when he signed for the Cardiff Devils in the summer of 2009. In two successful seasons with the Devils Michel played in 101 games, recording an impressive 96 points (36+60) as well as 226 penalty minutes.
Michel once again earned a host of awards during his time with Cardiff, including the fans ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Coaches Player of the Year’ shoeing he is respected by fans and coaching staff alike.
I asked Michel about his first impressions of the EIHL and the similarities between the EIHL and the ECHL.
“It was different to say the least.   I had visa issues so I arrived a day before our first game.   I was nervous because I hadn’t practiced with any of my teammates not to mention I didn’t have any sticks or equipment till we arrived. The first home game was exciting because the Cardiff crowd was loud as per usual and my first shift I gave a player a questionable hit.   Later in the game I got jumped which resulted in a line brawl, which continued with Vother (former Cardiff Devil Brad Voth) fighting behind the bench.   Instant respect for Vother coming in to help a teammate he barely knew but that’s why I think hockey is the best sport in the world,” Michel admitted.
“I thought the ECHL had more depth on each team.   Overall it was a more professional league, which makes sense when guys are on NHL/AHL contracts. I’m really happy to have played in the ECHL for a year plus,” Michel recalled.  
Michel moved onto pastures new for the 2011/12 season as he headed to Björklöven in Sweden where he was to have another successful season, registering 29 points (16+13) as well as a staggering 110 penalty minutes, to lead the league in that department.
Michel was critical of the Elite League when he left calling it “a joke” and saying “It’s a shame the league has no respect around Europe.” I asked Tylor whether he thought that was still the case, “ It’s a fact around Europe that people think the EIHL isn’t the best hockey.   I think the league has more skill than people realize.  
I’ve been vocal about some issues I’ve had regarding the EIHL. The biggest thing I didn’t agree with was the suspension I got.   That’s the past and this season I’m really going to try to keep my mouth shut on the ice and hopefully befriend all the refs……free pints for each of them,” Michel joked.
Many former Steelers have played in the league that Michel joined in Sweden, including Shaun Sutter, Stefan Sjogren and more recently Jonathan Zion.
I asked Michel how the league compared to the Elite League and how the transition was, “The biggest transition was getting use to the big ice.   I think last season will benefit me for this season because I should be able to perform better on the big ice,” Michel admitted.
“A lot of people have asked me to compare the two leagues but its very difficult to.   The team I played on could easily compete and fit in with the Swedish Allsvenskan league that Dowd sign in.   Before Christmas we didn’t really have too many challenging games. After Christmas it was much different,” Michel added.
Michel looks back on his time in Sweden with fond memories, “I loved playing and living in Sweden.   I really did enjoy that hockey was the countries number one sport much like Canada.   Playing a game against NHL All-Stars was amazing. Players like Forsberg, Naslund, both Sedins, Steen, Hedman, and list goes on,” Michel explained.
Michel then decided to return to the U.K. and sign for former Devil teammate and current Steelers Head Coach Ryan Finnerty. Michel had other options in the league and one was widely reported to be his former team, the Devils.
I asked Michel about being in talks with both organisations, and what were the deciding factors in signing for the Steelers, “ This did cause a lot of controversy but there are many reasons why I decided Sheffield. One of the biggest reasons why I chose Sheffield is because they do have a good winning history and also because my fiancé and I wanted to share together a new experience. I think it will be amazing someday to be able to tell my kids that I’ve played hockey in USA, Wales, Sweden, and England. I’ll never get close to becoming rich playing this game so having more life experiences is huge bonus in my opinion,” Michel admitted.
“Of course there were little reasons why too.   When a coach like Thommo says he believes Sheffield have the best British players that really intrigued me. I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing after hockey either so if it is coaching, playing for a new coach can help as well (good to play different systems, different style of practices). I see a huge opportunity to win this season and that is my number one goal,” Michel explained.
Michel joins a strong team in Sheffield, with the likes of former Braehead Clan defenceman James Jorgensen, Cory Pecker, Colin Shields, Danny Meyers, and Steelers veteran’s Jeff Legue and Rod Sarich, to name a few.
I asked Tylor his thoughts on the league changes including the conference restructure, “I think it’s great that they are trying to improve the league and that’s a positive sign for hockey in the U.K. Everyone will have an issue with new rules and changes but I think they are positive. I think I read that the league made a change in the playoff format (regarding the re-seeding),” Michel offered.
“I didn’t think it was right that Belfast had to play Cardiff when they were the number one seed. Again they made the change so that’s a great sign. It’s going to be really challenging playing more games against the bigger organisations more often,” Michel added.
Many players set themselves goals and targets when joining a new team. I asked Tylor if he has set himself any personal targets for the upcoming season, “The last season I played in the EIHL I was able to put up some good numbers.   Of course I want to score some goals and help my linemates do the same but I’m less focused on a certain number. I just want contribute and win some silverware,” Michel confessed.
Michel has always become an instant fan favourite at every team he has played at due to his style of play. He considers Stuart MacRae to be the best linemate he has played with.
I asked Tylor what he felt his particular strengths were, “My skating ability is probably my strongest skill.   However, I do believe my ability to play in any role has benefited my career.   I have always received a lot of praise for how much heart I play with and that is what I’m the most proud of,” Michel said.
I also asked Tylor about his greatest achievement so far, “Great question.   Receiving an athletic scholarship was a great achievement.   I think being awarded the MVP chosen by the fans and coaches is probably right up there too.   It’s very humbling when fans choose you for any award,” Michel admitted.
I concluded the interview by asking Tylor if he had any last words for the Sheffield fans, “I look forward to giving it my all for the fans and my teammates.   Hopefully I’m able to win over some of the fans like I have in my previous 4 pro seasons.   Let’s win the cup!” Tylor said.
ProHockeyNews would like to sincerely thank Tylor Michel for his time, and to also wish him all the best for his return to Sheffield and the upcoming season.
Contact the author at Scott.antcliffe@prohockeynews.com