Old Line Mates Meet Again in Tampa Bay

Two of the last three Prince George Cougars players to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft have been chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Most recently, forward Brett Connolly went sixth overall to the Bolts, the first player drafted by first year Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman. Three years ago, Dana Tyrell went to Tampa Bay in the second round, 47th overall. Having played together in the 2008-09 season, the pair reunited in Tampa Bay last week at the Lightning’s prospect camp.

Connolly and Tyrell instantly hit it off when they played together two season’s ago, with the pair going one-two in team scoring for much of the year. Tyrell had 19 goals and 40 points in only 30 games prior to setting off for Ontario and Canada’s World Junior camp in December of 2008. At the time of Tyrell’s departure, Connolly was right behind him in team scoring with 15 goals and 33 points. Unfortunately, December 10, 2008 against Swift Current would be the last time Cougars fans would see the dynamic duo together in Cougars uniforms. Tyrell suffered a season ending knee injury during a pre-tournament game against Sweden at Canada’s camp, leaving the Cougars captain on the mend and having to prepare for the 2009-10 season. Tyrell’s absence didn’t seem to slow Connolly down, who went on to produce 30 goals and 60 points, both new Cougars rookie records, and earning the CHL’s Rookie of the Year award.

Last week, the pair hit the same sheet of ice once again, this time wearing Lightning jerseys as part of the club’s rookie camp. For video of the prospect camp, with comments from Connolly and Tyrell, click here.

The Cougars connection in Tampa Bay doesn’t just end with the pair of forwards. Defenceman Ty Wishart, who played 230 games for the Cougars from 2004 to 2008, is also part of the Lightning system. Wishart was originally drafted by San Jose in 2006, going 16th overall in the NHL Entry Draft. The Lightning acquired Wishart on July 4, 2008, when the Sharks dealt Wishart and defenceman Matt Carle and a pair of 2009 draft picks, including a first rounder, to the Lightning in exchange for blue-liner Dan Boyle.