Getting to know your Maulers
Player #17 Tyler Zandhuisen

Get to know your Maulers

Player #17: Tyler Zandhuisen

(Credit to Missoula Maulers)

Welcome back to another Meet your Maulers! In this blog you will be briefly introduced to defenseman #4 Tyler Zandhuisen! Tyler is 6 ft 0 in, 185 lbs, is from Spokane, Washington, USA, and is a "95. He played for the Maulers last season and he had 5 goals in 43 games played, 20 assists, 25 TPs, 47 PIMs, and a +/- of 14. I am very thrilled that he is on the team this year because he is a great blue liner who definitely knows exactly what he is doing out on the ice and is very good at making plays. He was named assistant captain this year and it is well deserved. Even though he is young, he is a strong leader to the rookies as well as all the defenseman. He has quick skates and great puck handling skills. Zandhuisen is always quick to the biscuit if he can be and has great eyes at what goes on during shifts. I am interested in what he will do to help the team this year now that they are in a highly competitive league because when it is needed, he can bring an intense physical game. It doesn't matter if it involves checks or aggressive plays, Tyler can handle it. I can't wait to see how he performs this weekend against the Ogden Mustangs. I had the pleasure of interviewing Z at the rink a couple of days ago along with Pukkila and Sheptytskyy (which will come later of course) but it was great to finally meet up with him. Here is what he had to say!

1. Why did you decide to join the Maulers again?

TZ: It's a great program and a good league to play in

2. What skills on and off the ice do you expect to bring to the team this year?

TZ: Lots of leadership and just a high level of playing

3. Favorite NHL team and player?

TZ: Probably the Mighty Ducks and Conway

4. Favorite pregame meal?

TZ: Fettuccine Alfredo

5. What do you enjoy to do when you are not playing hockey?

TZ: Taking nice long walks and just enjoy wildlife

6. Greatest chirp you have ever said or been told?

TZ: I don't get chirpped I chirp

7. What do you like most about Missoula?

TZ: It's a nice town

8. Best hockey memory?

TZ: I don't really have one I have many

9. Worst travel experience?

TZ: Being stuck on the hot bus for 12 hours on our way to Gillette

10. Best dressed?

TZ: Probably McNally, he always looks great

11. Where do you see yourself in hockey in the next 5 years?

TZ: Either playing some where competitively being college or beer league

12. Best travel partner?

TZ: I'd have to say Nally, Schafer, Anders, just the kids I sit next to

13. Goon, Slapshot, or Miracle?

TZ: Probably Mystery Alaska

14. Which NHL player would you want to go 1 on 1 with?

TZ: Probably Terry O'Reilly

15. Which player best embodies the junior lifestyle?

TZ: Anyone on the Mighty Ducks

16. Anything you would like to tell the fans?

TZ: Come watch us play!

17. Which NHL player would you compare yourself to?

TZ: Probably Jeremy Roenick or some hard hitter

18. If you had to be stuck on a desert island with anyone in the world and anyone on the team who would it be?

TZ: Christian Manning he knows how to fish, we fish together a lot, and maybe Coach he's a good fisher too

 Tyler was great to talk with and had some very surprising answers! He should be a major component in this week's match up considering his strength and skill. Thank you Tyler and Good luck with the Maulers this season!