UML Recruiting, Building for the future

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Vernon, Malcolm Lyles had an assist and very good game, listed as top player for Vernon
Top Players: (Vernon)

Malcolm Lyles (1 assist) Other then a turnover in his own end, I thought Lyles played very solid on the Vipers blueline. Played very well defensively, made some real smart heads up plays through out tonights game. Was very hard to knock off the puck. Played smart hockey.

Lyles leads the Vernon D in scoring.

Tyler Brickler of Westside was off the board, did have a high sticking penalty

I look for Tyler to have instant impact once he arrives at UML based on his age 91' and his skill set which will be well recieved and appreciated by UML staff and fans.

Malcolm on the other hand as an older 90' player competing against 91', 92', and 93' competition should help solidify the bottom end 6,7,8 players of the UML defensive core going forward. As decussed in great detail before his struggles at BC getting ice time competing against his age group at the Hockey East level are well documented. He has no doubt benefited from being an overager playing against much younger competition which should help his confidence on the second time around. As some of the older talent has graduated from Hockey East his chances to play a role at the lower backend for UML look good from my perspective.

As stated before by me, you will be quite pleased with the new coach and the different direction he takes the program.[/QUOTE]

Both of the players you mention are in fact, 20 years old. ML is about 6 months older than TB. The difference is that TB had played about 250 games over the past 2 or 3 years, ML had played about 15.

ML was an all star in the league, TB was not.

ML has been invited to over 25 NHL camps, will be attending Florida's, Toronto's and Vancouvers. TB I cant speak for but 0 last year. One is being pursued by NHL teams as we speak, one is not.

Both players will be very good recruits for UML next year. If I had to guess the odds of ML being a 6, 7 or 8 dman for Lowell, I would say it is 0%. To be a 1-4, about 99%.

Dont ask me, ask his coach in Vernon who has produced about 20 top end Hockey East players, including Gill, Noonan and others. Add to the list the Galloway kid, a Hobey Baker finalist from N dakota this year. Or ask any one of the nhl guys who have seen him play 30+/- times this year. the Vernon coach says he is the bestv dman in the league and will play pro hockey.

ML playing 5 games as a 17 year old freshmen and 8 as a soph is not the end of the book and as well documented as you think.

At the end of the day, who cares what any of us thinks. His current coaches and the nhl guys love his game, that is what matters.

You might want to ask the ast coach, Green if he has him pegged in at 6-8. You might get a laugh and disagreement there as well.

 

[BCHF]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

I look for Tyler to have instant impact once he arrives at UML based on his age 91' and his skill set which will be well recieved and appreciated by UML staff and fans.

Malcolm on the other hand as an older 90' player competing against 91', 92', and 93' competition should help solidify the bottom end 6,7,8 players of the UML defensive core going forward. As decussed in great detail before his struggles at BC getting ice time competing against his age group at the Hockey East level are well documented. He has no doubt benefited from being an overager playing against much younger competition which should help his confidence on the second time around. As some of the older talent has graduated from Hockey East his chances to play a role at the lower backend for UML look good from my perspective.

As stated before by me, you will be quite pleased with the new coach and the different direction he takes the program.

Both of the players you mention are in fact, 20 years old. ML is about 6 months older than TB. The difference is that TB had played about 250 games over the past 2 or 3 years, ML had played about 15.

ML was an all star in the league, TB was not.

ML has been invited to over 25 NHL camps, will be attending Florida's, Toronto's and Vancouvers. TB I cant speak for but 0 last year. One is being pursued by NHL teams as we speak, one is not.

Both players will be very good recruits for UML next year. If I had to guess the odds of ML being a 6, 7 or 8 dman for Lowell, I would say it is 0%. To be a 1-4, about 99%.

Dont ask me, ask his coach in Vernon who has produced about 20 top end Hockey East players, including Gill, Noonan and others. Add to the list the Galloway kid, a Hobey Baker finalist from N dakota this year. Or ask any one of the nhl guys who have seen him play 30+/- times this year. the Vernon coach says he is the bestv dman in the league and will play pro hockey.

ML playing 5 games as a 17 year old freshmen and 8 as a soph is not the end of the book and as well documented as you think.

At the end of the day, who cares what any of us thinks. His current coaches and the nhl guys love his game, that is what matters.

You might want to ask the ast coach, Green if he has him pegged in at 6-8. You might get a laugh and disagreement there as well.[/QUOTE]

As always Hokydad, one has to love your passion when speaking about ML as you describe him. I can only speak to what years of observation of both of these young men tells me about their future potential and contributions. Tyler's time in the USHL over one and a half years in many ways reflects and mirrors ML's two years at BC from a play and contribution perspectives. Both however have flourished in the BCHL which is a must for any older players expecting to contribute at the Division 1 level not to mention professionally. Time will certainly tell what their contributions at UML will be and I certainly hope you are correct in your assumptions with respect to ML.

I remain steadfast in my belief that Tyler will bring some much needed punch offensively to the team next season. That said I remain "skeptical" about the tremendous expectations you place on the back of ML by committing him to 1-4 defensive placement and prospective NHLer based on what i have seen with my own two eyes less then twelve months ago. I love BC's defensive group and believe many on this thread might agree that they are a solid Division 1 group albeit very young...that said it is hard to suggest that more the two or three are ear marked for "real" NHL play. ML could not crack this line up and was clearly #8 with Cross and Wey out for long portions of the season, which we know is why ML left. Again, I hope i am dead wrong but I deal in reality when assessing hockey potential.
I have never asked you nor do I need to ask Duncan or Mark about where ML "fits" at UML, his play on the ice will most surely determine that as it has wherever he has performed previously.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Both of the players you mention are in fact, 20 years old. ML is about 6 months older than TB. The difference is that TB had played about 250 games over the past 2 or 3 years, ML had played about 15.

ML was an all star in the league, TB was not.

ML has been invited to over 25 NHL camps, will be attending Florida's, Toronto's and Vancouvers. TB I cant speak for but 0 last year. One is being pursued by NHL teams as we speak, one is not.

Both players will be very good recruits for UML next year. If I had to guess the odds of ML being a 6, 7 or 8 dman for Lowell, I would say it is 0%. To be a 1-4, about 99%.

Dont ask me, ask his coach in Vernon who has produced about 20 top end Hockey East players, including Gill, Noonan and others. Add to the list the Galloway kid, a Hobey Baker finalist from N dakota this year. Or ask any one of the nhl guys who have seen him play 30+/- times this year. the Vernon coach says he is the bestv dman in the league and will play pro hockey.

ML playing 5 games as a 17 year old freshmen and 8 as a soph is not the end of the book and as well documented as you think.

At the end of the day, who cares what any of us thinks. His current coaches and the nhl guys love his game, that is what matters.

You might want to ask the ast coach, Green if he has him pegged in at 6-8. You might get a laugh and disagreement there as well.

As always Hokydad, one has to love your passion when speaking about ML as you describe him. I can only speak to what years of observation of both of these young men tells me about their future potential and contributions. Tyler's time in the USHL over one and a half years in many ways reflects and mirrors ML's two years at BC from a play and contribution perspectives. Both however have flourished in the BCHL which is a must for any older players expecting to contribute at the Division 1 level not to mention professionally. Time will certainly tell what their contributions at UML will be and I certainly hope you are correct in your assumptions with respect to ML.

I remain steadfast in my belief that Tyler will bring some much needed punch offensively to the team next season. That said I remain "skeptical" about the tremendous expectations you place on the back of ML by committing him to 1-4 defensive placement and prospective NHLer based on what i have seen with my own to eyes less then twelve months ago. I love BC's defensive group and believe many on this thread might agree that they are a solid Division 1 group albeit very young...that said it is hard to suggest that more the two or three are ear marked for "real" NHL play. ML could not crack this line up and was clearly #8 with Cross and Wey out for long portions of the season, which we know is why ML left. Again, I hope i am dead wrong but I deal in reality when assessing hockey potential.
I have never asked you nor do I need to ask Duncan or Mark about where ML "fits" at UML, his play on the ice will most surely determine that as it has wherever he has performed previously.[/QUOTE]



It will be fun to watch....

He didnt crack the line up for one reason. He was to young and wasnt mature enough at 17 to go to BC and get the job done. Had zero to do with talent. Never should have went there so young, not close to being ready. Should be a freshman there today after playing 170+/- games for Vernon. But nope, BC needed an insuarnce policy and thats what he was.

He played for a tremendous coach who had the time to work with him and teach him the game. He will have more pro offers this summer than 4 or 5 of the guys at BC ever will during the rest of their carear. Already being pursued by NHL teams. As we speak.

I could care less how he played 2 years ago in one of the 6 games he played where he got 4 or 5 minutes of ice. We are looking forward and as Cam Neely says best, "my rear view mirror is broken"

25+ NHL teams and scouts who watched him play 50+ games are not wrong.

 

[BCHF]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

It will be fun to watch....

It has always been fun to watch players chase their dreams.


He will have more pro offers this summer than 4 or 5 of the guys at BC ever will during the rest of their carear. Already being pursued by NHL teams. As we speak.

Be careful here...5 BC defensemen: Cross, Dumoulin, Samuellson, Wey, Macleod have already been drafted in the NHL and are being watched carefully by their perspective NHL team scouts, GM's, as well as the scouts of other NHL teams on a regular basis. These players are already being rated and slotted on the depth charts of their perspective clubs and all but Cross are younger then ML.

25+ NHL teams and scouts who watched him play 50+ games are not wrong.

Let's all hope for the best for ML.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Let's all hope for the best for ML.

And TB as well. Next year could be an off year at BC for example with many departures. Lowell might jump up and get back in the play offs. If TB is an impact player, which I hope he is, ML will be a real impact player.

Even MC next year. They are losing a ton, outside SD and JC. League could be interesting.

 

[boblav1]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Malcolm Lyles and Vernon will meet Salmon Arm tonight in the first game of the BCHL Interior Conference finals. Vernon ended Tyler Brickler's Westside Warriors season earlier in the week. Brickler had 10 points (3-7-10) in 13 playoff games.

 

[boblav1]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Malcolm Lyles and Vernon will meet Salmon Arm tonight in the first game of the BCHL Interior Conference finals. Vernon ended Tyler Brickler's Westside Warriors season earlier in the week. Brickler had 10 points (3-7-10) in 13 playoff games.

Salmon Arm took game one 5-3 last night. Malcolm Lyles had an assist and 2 PIM in the loss. Game two is tonight.

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Ugly game for Lyles and Vernon last night, losing 6-0 in Game 2 to Salmon Arm, even they outshot Salmon Arm 34-17. They were down 5-0 in the first.

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Malcolm Lyles had an assist and was named the #2 Star as Vernon went on the road and won at Salmon Arm 5-1 last night, making the series 2-1 for Salmon Arm.

On Sunday, Christian Cowles had an assist as the NH Jr. Monarchs won the EJHL Finals series by a 3-2 score, winning both games by the same score actually.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Malcolm Lyles had a great game last night to help lead his team to a 3-2 win over Salmon Arm and tie up the series at 2 games each. Scored one goal to make it 2-2 and also scored a very good shorthanded one that they called back. Vernon's Mr Fan Favorite is going to be fun to watch next year. Will be interesting to see who the next coach is and if he will use him to his strengths.


vipers even series in salmon arm by don klepp | Added 2011-03-23
Trevor Fitzgerald’s goal near the end of the second period proved to be the winner as the Vernon Vipers evened their series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks with a 3-2 win in Salmon Arm on Tuesday.

In a coincidence worthy of a presentation at a numerology conference, Fitzgerald, who wears number 26, scored just 26 seconds after Malcolm Lyles had tied the game at 18:39. The Vipers showed resilience after Bryce Gervais had scored twice to give the Silverbacks a 2-1 lead earlier in the period.
Lyles hammered a slap shot through traffic at 18:39 to tie the game at 2. Fired up, the Vipers won the ensuing faceoff and swarmed the Silverback zone.
At 19:43 David Robinson took a hooking penalty, but Malcolm Lyles scored short handed after yeoman work by Dylan Walchuk as the clock ran down. After initially signalling a goal, the officials gathered in a tight circle and then disallowed the goal, saying that time had run out.

Matters were complicated because of a malfunction to the red light/green light system that doesn’t allow the red goal light to come on when time has run out.

 

[BCHF]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Malcolm Lyles had a great game last night to help lead his team to a 3-2 win over Salmon Arm and tie up the series at 2 games each. Scored one goal to make it 2-2 and also scored a very good shorthanded one that they called back. Vernon's Mr Fan Favorite is going to be fun to watch next year. Will be interesting to see who the next coach is and if he will use him to his strengths.

Any coach would intend to utilize his players talents to the fullest...just another caution about promoting Malcolm's skill set beyond what it really is. No one deserves that kind of unnecessary pressure coming to a new club. Having success against 94's, 93's, 92's, 91's and a smattering of overaged 90's in the BCHL does not translate into similar success against 86's, 87's, 88's, 89's, strong 90's, and very strong 91's and excellent 92's found in Hockey East and other top Division 1 programs.

Malcolm will come to UML, be seen by his new coaching staff, and ultimately slotted into the role best suited for his strength's and weakness's as a player. I worry that you paint such an extraordinary profile of this young man that anything short of #1 defenseman playing in all situations will be an injustice of some kind by the staff. No player, especially one that had an extremely weak pass at this level previously, should be subjected to those types of expectations. Allow the young man the opportunity to arrive and earn his playing time through his performance on the ice.

Here is to hoping for the best.

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Here is to hoping for the best.

I'm assuming we can pretty much agree on this and move on?

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

Any coach would intend to utilize his players talents to the fullest...just another caution about promoting Malcolm's skill set beyond what it really is. No one deserves that kind of unnecessary pressure coming to a new club. Having success against 94's, 93's, 92's, 91's and a smattering of overaged 90's in the BCHL does not translate into similar success against 86's, 87's, 88's, 89's, strong 90's, and very strong 91's and excellent 92's found in Hockey East and other top Division 1 programs.

Malcolm will come to UML, be seen by his new coaching staff, and ultimately slotted into the role best suited for his strength's and weakness's as a player. I worry that you paint such an extraordinary profile of this young man that anything short of #1 defenseman playing in all situations will be an injustice of some kind by the staff. No player, especially one that had an extremely weak pass at this level previously, should be subjected to those types of expectations. Allow the young man the opportunity to arrive and earn his playing time through his performance on the ice.

Here is to hoping for the best.

All I can assure you is one thing. You have no clue what you are talking about. Who gives a F what he did at BC in 7 or 8 games, playing 6-8 minutes tops.

Me clipping and pasting an article or saying, "Will be interesting to see who the next coach is and if he will use him to his strengths", is not setting him up for anything.

All I can tell you for a fact is as follows.

1. He went to BC at 17 after playing for two teams that didnt spend a minute coaching him. Eaglebrook and Deerfield. They let him run around and have success based off talent and athleticism. You can do that at that level, not at BC. Eaglebrook being the worst coached of the 2, Deerfield was ok, at best.
2. He went to BC as a 17 year old, to young and to immature. Not ready and didnt take advantage of opportunity. It didn't work out. Time to move on.
3. He left and went to a league that is all about development, no place more so than Vernon. The head coach there has done a great job getting players ready to compete and excel in Hockey East.
Players like Mike Collins at MC, Garrett Noonan at BU, Sahar Gill at BU, Ryan Santana BU, Volpatti at Brown, the Devin twins at Cornell, Bigos at MC, Chay Genoway at North dakota, Hobey canidate. Many more as well and all did one thing, stepped in and contributed from day one.

The coach out there, Ferner is known for being a great teacher. Played over `1000 pro games and has had success at developing kids at every level. ML spent a ton of time with him before and after practices, film on and on.

4. Had offers from over 10 schools, many with bigger names than Lowell. He is committed and going. Wants Hockey East, feels he has something to prove and likes the area.

5/. Had 25+ NHL deveopment camp offers and is going to 2, maybe 3. Florida and Toronto for sure. Now Vancouver is all over him.

6. First team All Star in league and led all D in scoring on squad.

Not my opinion but that of high end guys who have seen him play about 65 games. If he wanted to sign an NHL/AHL 2 way contract today he could.

If Ferner says he is the best D in the league and that there is no question he will play pro hockey, I will go with him over you. Again, not one of these statements or comments are mine but are those of people who have watched for 65+ games and know what they are talking about.

BCHL is loaded with over agers. As many as 6 per team. The difference is many have played 80+- games each year over past 3, ML played 15 tops total and limited minutes. He is just hitting his stride and has upside.

Will be fun to watch them play BC next year.. To keep talking like the same kid who played at BC is coming here is laughable. Many of his biggest critics, including the local Panthers scout says it is the biggest jump he has seen year over year. He could have just stayed at BC and slept in the bed he made. Made a tough move and now should reap the benefits.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

hoky, really didn't want to jump in here but truth be told... every time you post press clippings of this kid, and drop facts about being an all star, getting invites to almost every nhl team's camps, namedropping about his coach, the great things his coaches say, the great things the Panthers say, he can sign a two-way pro contract right now if he wanted, etc......... you might not be giving us a quotable set of words to "prove" that you are setting him up with huge expectations but the reality is, the more you post this stuff the more and more you are pumping him up. Of course, it doesn't help when you have someone posting every time he gets an assist, plays in a game, farts, picks his nose, eats hash browns for breakfast, etc... but it is what it is. Some people like that sort of stuff.

I agree with the previous poster, it's unfair to saddle him with these expectations. Simply wish the kid luck, say let's see what happens, and let's move on and stop repeatedly posting press clippings and stuff that has been heard eavesdropping in the a men's room somewhere.

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

hoky, really didn't want to jump in here but truth be told... every time you post press clippings of this kid, and drop facts about being an all star, getting invites to almost every nhl team's camps, namedropping about his coach, the great things his coaches say, the great things the Panthers say, he can sign a two-way pro contract right now if he wanted, etc......... you might not be giving us a quotable set of words to "prove" that you are setting him up with huge expectations but the reality is, the more you post this stuff the more and more you are pumping him up. Of course, it doesn't help when you have someone posting every time he gets an assist, plays in a game, farts, picks his nose, eats hash browns for breakfast, etc... but it is what it is. Some people like that sort of stuff.

I agree with the previous poster, it's unfair to saddle him with these expectations. Simply wish the kid luck, say let's see what happens, and let's move on and stop repeatedly posting press clippings and stuff that has been heard eavesdropping in the a men's room somewhere.

That would be false big Nick.

RPI, UNH and other schools have pages, similar to this dedicated to prospects coming in. Many post after each game and give the result and any stats if applicable.

The next time they play a game and if he gets a goal or ast, I will post it. If someone says something about him, a UML recruit on their website or in the newspaper, I will clip and post it. If a couple BC fans don't like it, tough sh**

His play out there speaks for itself and if he has done so well that he has earned the accolades, thus raising the bar on his expectations, so be it.

I am sure some of the BC fans would love him to go there and be the ML they had. Well that would be false as well.

I am not the one getting 1st or 2nd star almost every game, not the one who was named a first team all star for the league, voted top dman and fan favorite. Not the one who led all d in scoring, and nhl guys are all over.

Setting expecations high? Based upon his play he currently has. I am sure he would rather have that scenerio than the latter.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

That would be false big Nick.

What's false?

RPI, UNH and other schools have pages, similar to this dedicated to prospects coming in. Many post after each game and give the result and any stats if applicable.

Yes... and it's still creepy.

The next time they play a game and if he gets a goal or ast, I will post it. If someone says something about him, a UML recruit on their website or in the newspaper, I will clip and post it. If a couple BC fans don't like it, tough sh**

I really don't care about that. Simple fact of the matter is that every time you regurgitate what you heard in a men's room stall in response to someone asking to scale back expectations, you're puffing this poor kid up. I like the kid (he's pretty freakin funny). Don't want to see him saddled with unfair expectations.

I am sure some of the BC fans would love him to go there and be the ML they had. Well that would be false as well.

You're correct, that statement would be false. At least to my knowledge, no BC fans I know of want him back. Dumoulin is staying another year and that puts Macleod in limbo as it is. In 2012, in comes Doherty, Piazza, and Matheson.

I am not the one getting 1st or 2nd star almost every game, not the one who was named a first team all star for the league, voted top dman and fan favorite. Not the one who led all d in scoring, and nhl guys are all over.

Hahahahaha. See you did it again!

 

[leswp1]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

At it again?

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

What's false?



Yes... and it's still creepy.



I really don't care about that. Simple fact of the matter is that every time you regurgitate what you heard in a men's room stall in response to someone asking to scale back expectations, you're puffing this poor kid up. I like the kid (he's pretty freakin funny). Don't want to see him saddled with unfair expectations.




You're correct, that statement would be false. At least to my knowledge, no BC fans I know of want him back. Dumoulin is staying another year and that puts Macleod in limbo as it is. In 2012, in comes Doherty, Piazza, and Matheson.



Hahahahaha. See you did it again!

Didnt do anything. He did or others did

1. Made all star team http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/sports/vipers/news/116981998.html

2. Led all D in 1st and 2nd star of the game awards. This is a quote from the below article.... Lyles, whose brother Milton plays field lacrosse for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, has been a star almost every game the last month.



3. Had 25 + NHL teams invite him to NHL development camps, has accepted 2, possibly 1 more

4. Led all D in scoring and is leading scorer for D in playoffs as well.

5. Was voted top Dman and Fan favourite. http://www.vipers.bc.ca/news.php?article=1004

As a courtesy to you Nick, I e-mailed Toronto, Florida and Vancouver and insisted that they recind their invites. Also told the others to stop wasting their time on a 6th-8th dman at Lowell. I also asked the newspapers and tv stations to stop immediatly the writing of articles and interviews they have been doing on line. Told them that some clown from BC saw himk play 2 years ago for 3 or 4 minutes and said he is not that good.



Sorry Nick, cant help you out.


Riverhawks lure Lyles back east

By Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Published: February 03, 2011 4:00 PM
Updated: February 03, 2011 4:33 PM

0 Comments A cross between Disney On Ice and a Don Cherry Rock’em Sock’em Hockey video. Perhaps it’s the best way to summarize Malcolm Lyles’ styling ways on the Vernon Vipers’ blueline.

No matter how you describe the unorthodox 20-year-old Florida product, he’s got game. So much he has signed a scholarship deal with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Riverhawks for next year.

“He’s one of a kind,” said Viper captain David Robinson. “He’s always jumping around out there. I’d probably say he’s the fastest player in the league and maybe the strongest player in the league as well. You see him many times just tossing around guys. He’s naturally talented.”

Robinson, as do many, figures Lyles will one day make a living playing the game.

“For sure, he’s got all the tools to be a good college player. He’s fast enough. He’ll probably be one of the fastest guys on U-Mass next year so it will be interesting to see how far he can go with all his talent.”

This will be Lyles’ second tour of duty in the NCAA Hockey East. He got in just 13 games with the talent-rich Boston Eagles two years before joining the Vipers to refine his skills.

“It feels good to finally have it done and going back east where my family is so I’m happy about that,” said Lyles, moments after registering the overtime winner Wednesday night in a 2-1 win over the Nanaimo Clippers.

“It’s a good school, it’s a Massachussets school which is pretty good, and a nice rink. So even if I was a healthy (scratch) for some reason, I’d be in a good situation.”

He drew interest from a few teams elsewhere in the U.S., but he wanted an easy flight for his folks.

“I can’t relax too much, I can just check it off my to-do list,” said Lyles, who has 7-17-24 through 47 games. “Just keep practising hard and playing and enjoying the moment because this is the last year I’m gonna be able to play junior. I made a great choice coming to Vernon; I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Even opposing teams marvel at the moxy Lyles brings each night.

“He’s obviously a really good player,” said Nanaimo Clippers’ top scorer Andrew Gladiuk. “He controls the play when he’s out there, moves the puck really well, sees things, and he’s got good speed and he’s really hard to get around when you’re one-on-one with him.

“I think he will be a very good college player and he has pro potential. He’s a force out there.”

Said Nanaimo head coach Bill Bestwick, who played NCAA hockey at now defunct St. Louis University: “I really liked him in Nanaimo. I went and watched Vernon play in Cowichan on the Wednesday night when they were on the Island and I watched them in Alberni and I really liked him. As a matter of fact, I’ve complemented him to many people throughout the NC2A world so good for him. He reads the play well, he gets up in the play well and he’s a strong player. He’s not real big but he’s certainly strong for his size, agile, good offensive instincts, I like him a lot so good for him, he deserves it.”

Lyles, whose brother Milton plays field lacrosse for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, has been a star almost every game the last month.

“Malcolm has steadily improved throughout the season and has become one of the premier defencemen in the league,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson. “His skating ability and strength are among the best in the BCHL. His style of play has made him a fan favourite.

Lyles was born in Florida but received most of his schooling in the Boston area. He was on the Deerfield Academy track and football teams, and was the running back on the Eaglebrook School’s first undefeated football team in 2004.

He played summer hockey with fellow Viper Kyle Murphy on the Boston Icemen from age 8-13.

Robinson was all smiles discussing Lyles’ special letter of intent day.

“It’s awesome. I think the fans would attest he’s probably the most exciting player on our team. You saw tonight, he had six seconds left, he had the puck in our own end and somehow he got that overtime winner.

“He’s played well all year for us and he came a long way to play. Everyone loves him on the team and it’s nice to see him get a scholarship.”

Lyles, who had a strong two-way game for the Vipers is having a good week. On Tuesday, he committed to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell for next year. Coach Ferner believes that “Malcolm has become one of the premier defencemen in this league because of his athleticism and his growing knowledge of his position. But I believe that we haven’t yet seen the best of Malcolm Lyles; he’s getting better all the time.”

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

that you are setting him up with huge expectations but the reality is, the more you post this stuff the more and more you are pumping him up.

Or ... and I know this might be a shocker, but you guys could trust us to not have huge expectations based on the posts of a person that no one (at least none of us) have met, and instead just to be excited about a kid that will be playing at Lowell? Because if you guys could do that, you can stop arguing this over and over again....

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UML Recruiting, Building for the future

agreed. waste of time.

will be fun to watch the bc vs lowell games...