One of the perks of my new gig in the Twin Cities in the access to a slew of talented high school players that will enter the WCHA over the next few years. One thing I hope to post more of this season is interviews and tidbits with these players as they progress through the high school ranks.Today, I had a chance to speak with Centennial senior-to-be Tyler Pitlick, a Minnesota State recruit. We spoke about a number of things, including his upcoming season with the Cougars, his future with the Mavericks and the Ivan Hlinka Tournament which begins next weekend. Pitlick is one of 12 forwards and just six Minnesotans on the roster selected to be on the Under-18 U.S. team, which begins play Aug. 9 against Team Canada. The tournament will be played in Breclav Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia. Team USA is coached by RPI head coach Seth Appert.
Dan Myers: Heading into the Select 17's tournament a couple weeks ago, what were your goals? What did you want to accomplish up there?
Tyler Pitlick: I wanted to be among the top scorers.
DM: What do you know about the Hlinka tournament? And will it be your first tournament playing overseas?
TP: I don't know much about it. It won't be the first time overseas though. Last season, I played at a tournament, I don't remember the name of it, but it was in Slovakia.
DM: What was that experience like? Who do you expect some of the best teams over there next week?
TP: It was different. The play is a lot faster and you can't hold onto the puck as long. I've heard the Czechs are a pretty good team. In that tournament last year, Slovakia was the best team.
DM: What have you been up to this offseason, besides the Select 17 tournament and the Hlinka Tournament?
TP: Not much. Just doing STP (Summer Training Program).
DM: Do you still think about how last season ended (a section championship loss to Blaine) or are you already focusing on this season?
TP: We still think about it. We're hoping to get back there, especially this year, being a senior and all.
DM: What is it like having the Pitlick name, a very well-known one, especially here in Minnesota?
TP: Every time I walk into a hockey store and say my name, they know my uncle (former Gopher and NHL'er Lance) right away. Everyone around here knows him and who he is.
DM: What did Lance say when you decided to go to Minnesota State, a rival team from right inside the state?
TP: He actually went down to Mankato with me on one of my trips. He thought it was a good fit for me.
DM: Why Minnesota State?
TP: Troy Jutting was my Select 15 coach and I knew him from there. I went down for a visit and I really liked him a lot and I want to play for him. Mankato is close, but it's not too close and I think they're going to be very good for the next few years.
DM: Did you grow up a Gopher fan? And did you have a chance to watch the Gophers-Mavericks playoff series? Was it hard to pick which team to cheer for?
TP: Yeah, I did. I watched that playoff series, too. Everyone said the Gophers were the better team and they were going to win, but Mankato took them to overtime all three games. It wasn't hard to decide who to cheer for, I cheered for Mankato.
DM: What is the plan after this season? Are you heading straight to Mankato, playing a year in the USHL, or has that not been decided yet?
TP: I'll be heading straight to Mankato.
DM: Any idea on a potential major in college yet?
TP: I have absolutely no idea.
DM: What are the goals for this upcoming season?
TP: I want to get to the state tournament. I don't want to let Blaine beat us again. My sophomore year, we beat them twice, but last season, we won the first one and they won the last two.
DM: What are your strengths as a player?
TP: I like to play down low in the offensive zone and get the puck to my teammates. I can score when I have a chance.





