Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://www.uafhockey.com/
- Name: Tyler Eckford
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Birthdate: 1985-09-08
- Eligible for Draft: 2003
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Langley, B.C.
- Acquired: 7th round (#217 overall), 2004
- Playing In: NCAA
Tyler Eckford
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Jared Ramsden
History
2004-05: Eckford wrapped up his BCHL career in style. He displayed excellent offensive potential for a blueliner as he recorded 22 goals and 43 assists in helping the South Surrey Eagles to a BCHL championship.
2005-06: After a fantastic offensive season in the BCHL, the challenge for Eckford going into his first NCAA season at Alaska-Fairbanks was to see how he would react to playing at a higher level of hockey. Eckford did not disappoint as a freshman, scoring three goals and 15 assists for 18 points in 28 games, good enough for to lead the Nanooks’ defensemen in scoring.
2006-07: Coming off of a very solid sophomore campaign, Eckford finished with 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) playing in 39 games for the Nanooks this season. His most memorable outing of the season came in the weekend series at Nebraska-Omaha on Nov. 3 and 4. In that series, Eckford posted five points that included scoring the game-winner on Friday. The performance also earned Eckford his first and only CCHA Defensive Player of the Week honor on the season.
DJ Powers contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
The most noticeable improvement about Eckford this season was his added size and strength. His added strength on his skates made him more powerful, yet allowed him to maintain his speed and mobility. It has also allowed him to be more effective in his one-on-one play in addition to being more physically aggressive.
Eckford, a converted forward-to-defenseman, possesses great puck skills. His superb ability to distribute the puck smartly and effectively has made him a mainstay on the Nanooks power play. Eckford has great on-ice vision and awareness. He has little trouble finding and getting passes to open teammates. He can make some really nice tape-to-tape passes and sets up his teammates remarkably well. He loves to join the play and this season also saw some marked improvement in his transition game.
Future
He's always shown the offensive ability that he had when the Devils drafted him back in 2004, but it's his physical and defensive zone play that have shown marked improvement. As Eckford continues to get stronger, he should continue to improve into a more well rounded defenseman.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2003-04 | South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) | 58 | 7 | 30 | 37 | --- | 101 |
| 2004 | South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) | 13 | 2 | 8 | 10 | --- | 34 |
| 2004-05 | South Surrey Eagles (BCHL) | 60 | 22 | 43 | 65 | --- | 93 |
| 2005-06 | U. of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) | 38 | 3 | 15 | 18 | --- | 43 |
| 2006-07 | U. of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) | 39 | 5 | 17 | 22 | --- | 54 |
Profile Last Updated: March, 13th 2008
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