Wall earning accolades, scholarship

 

A local goalie is earning more than individual accolades and is set to earn an education from a soon to be Division I NCAA school.

 

Leamington Flyers rookie goalie Tyler Wall took the league by storm as he compiled a 27-2-1 record in the regular season. Wall earned rookie of the year honours, along with top goalie honours in the Western Conference, as he posted a 0.940 save percentage and 1.49 goals-against-average. Wall also established a new record, by having the most wins by a rookie goalie. These stat lines and strong performances caught the eyes of NCAA scouts. Wall recieved an offer and has announced his intentions via Twitter, to attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell where Wall plans on studying engineering.

 

Branden Robitaille, goalie coach for the Flyers, said Wall has played well and has exceeded expectations.

 

“He’s played well, truthfully we didn’t think he’d make the team out of camp,” said Robitaille. “He’s very sound technically and quiet in his movements. He’s a big body and knows the game well. With his quick movements it helps with his reactions.”

 

While splitting time with goaltender Michael Barrett, the two put Leamington at the top of the Western Conference. Robitaille said he believes Wall is well equipped considering it’s his first playoff series.

 

Flyers Defenceman Zak Parlette said he is confident with either goalie in the net, but likes the way Wall sees the ice and talks in his net to the defence and the team to let them know what is going on.

 

Wall said the connection he has with their goalie coach and head recruiter Cameron Ellsworth is great to have.

 

“It feels pretty good, their goalie coach is actually from Leamington so it’s a nice little connection we have,” said Wall. “My goal these season was just to come in and be the best goalie I could be and whatever happens, I wouldn’t say my plan was to get a commitment.”

 

UMass is currently transitioning into a Division I school, with their official status coming in 2017. The River Hawks earned a NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 2013 and have graduated players to the NHL like Dwayne Roloson, Ron Hainsey and Connor Hellebuyck.

 

Wall said he hopes to bring his simplistic style of game and large presence in the net to UMass. He said he is more focused on the task at hand as Leamington is currently trailing the London Nationals 3-2 in their Western Conference finals series.