The British Adventure Continues!

While he doesn't have one of these as a Canadian citizen, it would appear that Tyler Kirkup will become an expat after today's news that came out of Coventry in England. As per the team's release, Tyler Kirkup has signed a deal for two more years with the Blaze as his impact in the EIHL was certainly seen by the club and its opponents. For a guy who started the year playing in the bottom-six with the ECHL's Reading Royals with limited ice time and offensive possibilities, there was always a belief that he could have a bigger impact with an increased role. After leaving Reading, Pennsylvania and landing in Coventry for the last eleven games of the EIHL season, Kirkup proved he was more than capable of being a major player at both ends of the ice!

I've written a couple of articles about Kirkup - him leaving Reading for Coventry and his impressive start to his EIHL career - but we can certainly point to his impact in games and his statistics as being reasons why Coventry was quick to sign the 25 year-old Canadian. And it sounds like they're excited to get him back in Blaze colours!
Head coach Danny Stewart spoke highly of Kirkup on Blaze TV, but it was the following line that I believe makes Kirkup invaluable to any team, and Stewart deserve some kudos for seeing the value Kirkup brings when he said, "He's very smart, plays in the hard areas and is skilled as well. We're very happy to get him back."

Kirkup totalled six goals and four assists in eleven regular-season games with Coventry before adding one goal in two playoff games. Comparatively, Kirkup had seven goals and eight assists in 49 games with Reading, so it clearly benefitted both parties with Coventry moving him to center and giving him more offensive opportunities. Slice it any way you like, but Kirkup's game clearly was elevated in Coventry playing more minutes with better wingers in situations where he could thrive offensively.

It's not like Kirkup shrugged off his defensive game for more points. He recorded a shorthanded goal in the six he potted, and he was often checking Coventry's best centermen with his solid two-way play. As much as I loathe plus/minus as a statistic, Kirkup was a +8 in 11 games so it's pretty clear that his line was doing more scoring than fishing the puck of out their own net.

With Englishman Ross Venus retiring after twelve years of hockey in Coventry, there will be more opportunities for Kirkup to show his talents as well. Venus was a solid player who got some power-play time occasionally, and his departure might be a chance for Kirkup to bring his skills to the man-advantage for Coventry. The Blaze were third this season with a 21.67% efficiency - 39 goals on 180 opportunities - but that efficiency dropped to 14.29% in the playoffs as the Blaze went 1-for-7. A better power-play efficiency comes with better scorers, so perhaps Kirkup's talents should see some power-play time!

As much as I can speculate and theorize how Kirkup could be used next season, it was pretty clear his impact was seen by the Blaze as they made the decision to welcome him back for another two seasons. Head coach Danny Stewart, as we know, likes Kirkup's versatility, so we could see Stewart playing Kirkup all over the lineup next season. What shouldn't be questioned is the effort that Kirkup will give, and that's what earned him the two-year deal from Coventry.

Congratulations to Tyler Kirkup on his two-year deal with Coventry. It was well-earned through his years of hard work and dedication, and we can;t forget his contributions off the ice as well. Tyler's two-year comes down to one thing: he's a "brick", as the English would say. And I'm excited to see what Tyler does over the next two seasons!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!