Cochrane product and Airdrie CFR Chemicals AAA Midget Bisons defenceman Tyrel Bauer got his first taste of Western Hockey League (WHL) action when he suited up for the Seattle Thunderbirds in their 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings on Nov. 2.
The Thunderbirds were in the midst of their six game road trip through Alberta, when they ran into injury trouble and had to call up the 15-year-old defenceman on emergency basis.
“I was asked to practise Tuesday with the team and Wednesday for the morning skate in Red Deer … they (The Thunderbirds) also invited me to watch the game against the Rebels,” Bauer said.
“About halfway through the game I got a text from the director of player personal (Cal Filson) asking me to stay after the game because they wanted to talk to me … they told me a defenceman had been injured and they would like me to play in Edmonton. I left with the team that night.”
Bauer, who was selected in the second round of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft by Seattle and signed a Standard Player Agreement with the team on Jun. 14, said the game was an experience he’ll never forget.
“The whole experience was truly incredible. Playing my first WHL game was unforgettable in itself, but playing in Rogers Place in Edmonton was just the icing on the cake,” Bauer said.
“The environment was amazing and the guys on the team made me feel very welcome. I was a sponge just soaking it up and learning as I go.”
Bauer didn’t register any points, but was just happy he was able to hold his own against older, more experienced players compared to Midget AAA.
“The biggest difference is obviously size and speed. Your time and spaces close much quicker and the players are faster, harder on the puck, stronger and are very physical,” Bauer said.
“But overall, the biggest thing I noticed was the atmosphere is more serious all around. These guys are competing to get noticed by NHL scouts, and they are very passionate about what they do.”
With that said, the young defenceman said there was plenty of information for him to take back to the Bisons, even though his stay with the junior club was brief.
“I learned what I need to do in order to take my game to the next level. The speed, strength and passion those guys show is incredible,” Bauer said.
“To get to the next step, you have to challenge yourself to get better every day and take pride in what you do day in and day out.”
The Cochrane native has since returned to the Bisons who are currently 5-7 on the season, but have won their past two games by convincing margins.
The Airdrie based midget club has a pair of games on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 kicking off a four-game road trip against the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs and the Lethbridge Midget AAA Hurricanes.
