Hometown product Tyler Kirkup has been big for the Virden Oil Capitals this season.
The son of Suzanne and Kary Kirkup is sixth in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in points, as of Sunday.
In addition, he is counted on to provide leadership as an assistant captain and kill penalties. The 19-year-old has attracted the attention of college scouts.
“Night in and night out, he has been our most consistent player,” Virden head coach Troy Leslie said. “In terms of hard work, he has brought that night in and night out.”
Best season yet
A 6-foot, 203-pound centreman, Kirkup is enjoying the best season of his three-year junior career. He leads the Oil Capitals with 69 points in 56 games.
“He is able to protect the puck and he is strong on it. He’s someone who drives seams in the offensive zone,” Leslie said.
Kirkup has lit the lamp a team high of 35 times, including an Oil Caps best 10 on the power play, this season. That more than doubles the 17 goals he posted last winter. What has allowed him to do so?
“I think I was looking to make a play in the past years and hanging onto the puck a little longer than I should have, but now I have gotten more comfortable with my shooting ability and getting the puck on the net from anywhere on the ice,” said Kirkup, who is second on the team in assists with 34 to Kirklan Lycar’s 51.
Leads by example
While he has posted career highs in all categories, numbers don’t tell the whole story of what Kirkup brings to the team. Leslie said he is one of the best penalty killers in the league. He also is a leader.
“It’s nice to be able to wear a letter for my hometown team, and I try my best to be a leader on the ice,” Kirkup said.
Leslie said that Kirkup leads by example. The head coachstated that when one of your best players is one of your hardest workers, it brings a level of leadership without having to say anything.
Kirkup moved to Virden with his family from Portage when he was 11. He went on to play midget and bantam AAA in the Southwest Cougars system.
After having a strong rookie season on the wing with the Oil Capitals when he posted 33 points, Kirkup moved to the middle and had 48 last year.
“The best part about playing hockey in your hometown is that every night you play here lots of your family and friends are always there supporting you,” he said.
Living at home “great”
Kirkup has greatly appreciated the backing of his parents.
“The support my Mom and Dad have given me is awesome. They always have positive feedback to give me on the way I’m playing and I get the best pre-game meals from them. It’s been great living at home.”
While he is enjoying a great season personally, Kirkup is most excited about what the Oil Capitals have accomplished.
“I’d say the best part of the season is how successful the team has been. We’re in second place right now with (four) games to go (as of Monday) and I think everybody in the room is happy with where we are at right now.”
