Alaskan Bear!

-          By John Harrington

Fresh off Prep Camp in March, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tyler Krivtsov on his incredible journey as a California goalie in the hockey world. As I mentioned in earlier articles, there really are no two paths alike when it comes to the young athlete navigating their way through the youth, junior, college and pro landscape. For Tyler it started in Santa Clarita at the age of seven when he first jumped onto the ice as a skater. However, something really clicked when he saw his friend’s goalie mask that had an amazing design and style to it. Tyler thought to himself, “That looks cool.” And that was it. He was hooked. He simply wanted to wear that warrior-like goalie gear. It also helped that he had an older brother who constantly used him as target practice in the backyard. And as much as his brother loves scoring goals, Tyler loves stopping players from scoring goals. You know the special celly that every kid dreams of performing on the ice after ripping a howitzer bar down? Well, Tyler made it a mission to make that kid’s dream celly not come true. He is that guy.

After the Flyers, Tyler found himself at Pickwick where he cemented one his favorite memories; helping the Bears team win the state 12U AA championships. After two successful seasons with the Kings 14U AAA, his confidence swelled, and doors of opportunity appeared. But Tyler, not one to sit back, had to kick in those doors. At this time there was no Prep Camp with coaches from back East descending on Pickwick in the search for talent. Tyler had to market himself. When he heard through a friend that Shattuck Saint Mary’s was holding a summer camp in Minnesota, Tyler and his brother thought it would be the best place to get attention. After a successful week, he caught the eye of Shattuck coaches and began building relationships. This dialogue continued over the course of a year, and eventually paid off as Tyler and his brother were offered spots at the storied school. Tyler described those years as “Hockey Heaven.”

After Shattuck, Tyler was drafted by the Madison Capitals and had a short stint in the USHL. It was his first real test of adversity and quickly learned how harsh and cut-throat the hockey path can be. He was soon picked up by the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in NAHL where again he faced yet another challenge after having to sit out an entire season with a knee injury. Tyle reflected on these lows, insisting that “Adversity can be great. It can push you to work harder, more focused, to become better and stronger.” He spoke fondly of his time in Fairbanks where the small town was hockey mad with over 3,000 fans per game. And being a sun-kissed California goalie in the ice cold of Alaska made him and his teammates mini celebrities, often getting recognized when they were out in public. Knowing that his junior career was coming to a close at the age of twenty, Tyler began talking to at least ten colleges, making sure he was on their radar. Although many of these schools liked him, they were looking at goalies they already had relationships with, which gave them an advantage. One school, the University of Alaska, showed serious interest, based not only on Tyler’s talent between the pipes, but on a strong referral from the head coach. This head coach happened to be Tyler’s assistant coach back when he played for the Fairbank Ice Dogs in the NAHL. He always stayed in touch with his coaches. The “Who you know” adage is paramount in anything you do in life. But equally important, is you “Who you are.” It is clear the relationships and your network are key. But as the Shawnigan Lake coach expressed in the last article, what are you like as a human? On the ice. In school. In the community.

We talked about how important it was as a player to build relationships with other players and coaches and have a strong network. And we saw from the Prep Camp that Coaches are obviously looking for talented players, but also for motivated, sharp players of solid character. Every conversation, tryout, email, dialogue is your opportunity to reveal yourself as a resolute and responsible athlete. This paid off for Tyler from the moment he went to the Shattuck summer camp, and on through juniors, building meaningful two-way relationships.

It is easy to see what coaches like about Tyler. He has a positive disposition and a zest for life. He is easy to talk to. It is clear he would be an asset in any locker room and a loyal teammate. It took me less than 60 minutes to uncover that.

This season he will be playing NCAA Division1 hockey for the University of Alaska in Anchorage where he will be studying finance. He plans to play pro after college, if not in the NHL, in Europe.

If you want to connect with Tyler, and pick his brain, he is open to connecting and answering your questions. Hit him up! He has a wealth of knowledge and is a great conversation. Tylerkrivtsov@gmail.com

Why hockey? (Ten words or less)

Competitiveness, Sports, Excitement, Adrenaline, Speed, Teamwork. Love for the game.

When and where did you start playing hockey? Who inspired you to play?

I started playing hockey in Valencia California when I was 7 years old. Many people inspired me but the main person who got me into hockey was my dad.

Best Bear Memory?

I spent 2 years with the bears. Winning a state championship would probably have to be my best memory.

Nickname among your hockey friends?

Ty, Kriv, or Krivy

Which coach stays with you, to this day, in the back of your mind?

My first goalie Coach, Rob Kucherway, played a huge role in my career so far. Also, my coach at the Bears Peter Torsson. My goalie coach, Adam Carlson, is currently a huge mentor to me as well.

How did you balance studying, commuting, practice, and lots of missed school days?

I spent a lot of time in the car going to and from practice. So, I tried to utilize that time to get schoolwork done.

Which exercise gives you the biggest advantage on the ice?

Not really a specific exercise but training in the weight room/dry land is crucial to your hockey success.

Where are you playing now and how did you get there?

I am playing for the University of Alaska Anchorage next season. I played for the Express, Bears and the LA Jr Kings growing up. All of High school I played at Shattuck St Mary’s. I started my junior career with the Madison Capitols in the USHL and finished with the Fairbanks Ice dogs in the NAHL.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself playing pro hockey in 10 years. I always wanted to play Hockey in Europe. But the NHL is my ultimate goal.

Who would win in a hockey fight? Marty McSorley vs Manny Pacquiao (on skates)?

Marty McSorley

The longest drive you/parents made for a hockey game?

From LA to Phoenix

Favorite hockey slang that confuses your civilian friends?

Ew, gross, or nasty

You have a Bears time machine, you fly back to your first day of Mites, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself to never waste a skate or workout by giving it 100% effort every time. I would also say to have fun every time I step on the ice.

What is the funniest misconception you’ve experienced when trying to explain to hockey players outside of California, that yes, there is indeed hockey in California?

Honestly haven’t really had any of those come up. It is funny trying to explain to people what junior hockey is though. It happens to us all the time in the airport when they see our team.

Look at your phone, what is the very last song you listened to? Be honest! No reason or apology necessary. (We all have that one song).

Shape of My Heart by Sting.

Any real-world experience, which made you think “Yes, that’s just like in hockey.” What did you learn from your hockey life, which has helped you in the real world (school, job, friendships)?

Hockey, and sports in general, is very mentally and physically demanding. I think the main things I’ve learned so far, especially at Shattuck and playing junior hockey are constant discipline, leadership, and work ethic. I think all of these things no matter what you do in life are essential keys to success.