Tyler Hostetter
Lititz native Tyler Hostetter is switching his allegiance not by choice but by necessity.
After playing minor junior hockey with the Philadelphia Junior Flyers, Central Penn Panthers and Valley Forge Minutemen and growing up just over 70 miles west of Philadelphia, one would think that Hostetter was living out his childhood dream — the hometown boy signed to a National Hockey League contract by his hometown team — the Philadelphia Flyers.
Not so fast.
"I actually grew up an Anaheim Ducks fan," Hostetter said with a grin. "The first ever NHL game I attended was an Anaheim Ducks game. I pretty much just watched one player who caught my eye in the beginning, that was Paul Kariya, and even after he left (Anaheim) I stuck with the Ducks and Kariya."
"But after last year, I obviously had to switch (my favorite team)," he said with a smile on his face.
Following the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the defenseman earned a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers following an on-ice tryout at training camp.
After recently finishing his third season with the Erie Otters in the Major Junior Ontario Hockey League, the 6-foot, 200-pound defenseman joined 34 other Flyers prospects on the ice at the annual Flyers rookie camp.
"It's my first rookie camp, I think the skill overall is pretty tight," Hostetter said. "Usually the biggest thing that needs to be worked on (in the transition into professional hockey) is the passing, not the speed or skill."
After a 23-point effort in 2008-09 for Erie, this past season the versatile offensive-minded defenseman played 59 games at forward and defense and recorded two goals and 24 assists.
During his season, the Flyers kept close contact with Hostetter, informing him of things he needed to work on and evaluating his progress.
"Don Luce (Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers) and Derian Hatcher (Flyers Player Development Coach) come to watch my Junior games and it's very helpful that they scout me and let me know what I can improve on," said Hostetter.
And the young defenseman has continued to impress Flyers' brass with his complete skill set and work ethic.
Hostetter has gained nearly 20 pounds of muscle in just over a year and is up from 180 pounds to 200.
"The really big thing that Tyler improved on is that he has gotten stronger. That's one thing he lacked last year was his strength, but now he's putting the entire package together," said Luce.
"He's played well, has gotten a lot stronger and is a kid that's played really well. Last season in Erie he didn't have a great year but didn't have a bad one," Luce added. "It hurt him a little bit that he went from forward to defense back in Erie, and I think he's got to get solid in one position, but it's a really good thing that he can play both positions."
Due to an age restriction in the American Hockey League, no player under 20 is allowed to join the AHL.
Hostetter turns 20 on January 30, 2011.
"Hopefully this season will be my last in Erie," said Hostetter. "Obviously when my season is over in Erie my goal is to play with Adirondack (in the AHL)."
Both Hostetter and Luce know there is a lot of work to do and many ways to improve.
Is there anything specifically Hostetter can work on?
"Yeah, everything, and I'm not being sarcastic," said Luce. "All these kids, they're not there yet, and that's why they're here, to learn how to get better so they can make the next step."
That's something Hostetter completely understands and agrees with.
"Next year, I want to make the AHL and make a quick transition from there to the NHL," said Hostetter.
"(Right now) I need to work on everything. Everyone here needs to improve on every aspect of their game. If you work on it, you're going to succeed in life."
With that attitude and commitment, Hostetter could be facing off against Kariya sooner rather than later.