This new, teen addition to the T-Birds is a defenseman with a winning smile. Jarret Tyszka has played in 15 games during the regular season this year, and he’s already scored two goals and made an assist. At 16, Tyszka has to be stoked at this great start to a promising career. He’s had eight PIM and earned three points so far.

Tyszka shoots left and stands at 6’2.5. He weighs 190 pounds. He was born on March 15, 1999 and hails from Langley, BC. He’s made some big strides on the team already, making two assists during the September 5 game against the Victoria Royals. He scored his first goal just this last month during the October game against the Prince George Cougars.

Before he gained a spot with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Tyszka played for the With the Yale Hockey Academy Prep in the CSSHL. While playing for the Academy, he was a defenseman in 25 games during the 2014 to 2015 season. He nabbed three goals and made seven assists with the team, and he had 37 penalty minutes throughout the season. Tyszka has been a busy young man; during the same season, he also played for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL. It was only for four games without any registered PIM, goals or points, but both experiences prepped him for where he is today on the T-Birds roster.

During his year with the Langley Eagles in the PCBHL, he finished the season with a total of 68 games played and 74 points, which is a pretty solid record. He made 27 goals and 47 assists while playing for the Eagles. He had 117 PIM.

T-Birds Director of Player Personnel Colin Alexander says that Tyszka has the whole package—both size and mobility. “Jarret is a big, mobile defenseman.” He went on to tell the press that the young man has great potential and may develop his skills far enough to become a two-way defenseman for the T-Birds. He said that Tyszka brings a very real physical presence on the ice, which is an asset to any team.

He was selected during the very first round of 2014 WHL Bantam Draft selections, making him the 16^th pick of the season. His pick was announced on May 1 in Calgary, Alberta. The T-Birds are making it clear that they plan on a strong defense this year, backing up the decision with selections that prove it.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia