It is amazing how quickly things change.
Last season, Tyler Nyman was a Flin Flon Bombers rookie trying to adapt to the world of junior hockey after being a standout at his Minnesota high school. In the 2017-2018 campaign, Nyman is a 20-year-old veteran and assistant captain. He feels more comfortable during his second time around in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“It’s nice coming back your second year and having gone through a season with the team,” Nyman said. “The biggest adjustment was for the physicality of the league.”
The 6-foot, 186-pound Nyman has three goals and six points this season in 20 games. Head coach Mike Reagan praised Nyman as being a hard worker, good skater and a high character person.
“He is such a good guy. That is something that we want our players to be is quality individuals. You can’t find a better kid.”
The Bombers rely on Nyman to be a team leader along with captain Ben Lanfermann, fellow assistant captain Nick Shumlanski, and others. Nyman feels he leads best with his actions.
“I think I lead by example on and off the ice and show the rookies how we do things in Flin Flon,” Nyman said.
Reagan echoed that statement.
“I think Tyler leads by example more than anything,” said the head coach, who emphasized that Nyman is even-keeled. “He is very well respected in the dressing room.”
While many players come to Junior A hockey as 18-year-olds or younger, after playing midget AAA, Nyman joined as a 19-year-old in the fall after graduating high school. He grew up north of the Twin Cities in Centerville. Nyman played for Centennial High School in nearby Circle Pines.
He currently is tenth all-time at Centennial in scoring with 37 goals and 72 assists. He also played for Team Northwest in the Elite League, which gathers the best high school players together to form eight teams. At Centennial, Nyman was an assistant captain in Grade 11 and captained the squad in his final season.
“Tyler’s work ethic was probably his best trait as a leader,” Centennial head coach Ritch Menne said. “He never took a day off and competed hard at every practice.”
Nyman started his junior career in Alberta with the Brooks Bandits. After Nyman was acquired by the Bombers last season, he had six goals and 16 points in 37 games. He chipped in with three points in 16 playoff games as the Bombers went to the SJHL finals for the second straight season. Nyman, who hopes to play NCAA Division I or III hockey next season, has greatly enjoyed the Flin Flon faithful.
“The best thing about Flin Flon is the constant support from the fans,” he said. “Everyone here is so friendly.”
