LONGLAC — Tyler Tucker's hockey career has taken him from the Longlac Minor Hockey Association all the way to the National Hockey League.
The 22-year-old defenceman made his NHL debut on Nov. 16 for the St. Louis Blues, and has since suited up in three other games for the team.
Tucker made highlight reels in his third career game, which came against the Anaheim Ducks, when he dropped the gloves and fought Ducks forward Sam Carrick.
Tim Griffin, the principal of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and the president of the Longlac Minor Hockey Association, said Tucker's family has a long history in Longlac.
“Both Tyler and his twin brother Jesse, played their first year of Bantam, in Longlac, now known as U15. In his second year Tyler went to Thunder Bay, where he played for the Kings,” Griffin said.
Tucker then moved to the junior hockey ranks after being drafted by the Barrie Colts in the 2016 OHL draft. While in Barrie, he was coached by Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk, which Griffin said was one of his greatest influences.
Griffin said Tucker's parents and grandparents still live in Longlac, adding that the twins still visit the hometown often and make a point of spending time on the ice with kids in Longlac minor hockey.
“Tyler is a leader by example,” Griffin said.
