Development Camp: Catching up with Tyler Beskorowany
/Andrew's Dallas Stars Page
Goaltender Tyler Beskorowany turns pro this coming season, but the 20-year-old got a little taste of the pro life late last season and it made an impression.
After his junior hockey career ended, Beskorowany joined the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL during the Kelly Cup Playoffs, giving him a chance to practice and travel with the team.
"Just being in the same room with the guys and practicing with them, facing their shots and the speed they are playing at - it was a big change for me," said Beskorowany. "Traveling with Idaho for an entire week to Utah for the playoffs, that was good to see what it was all about. The per diem, not having someone to cook for you and not having someone to clean up after you. It's a change from junior to the next level, so it was good for me. It was an eye opener for next year."
Beskorowany's final season in juniors also turned out to be good preparation his turning pro. He played in 62 of his team's 68 games during the regular season, registering a 29-25-4 record, a 3.52 goals against average and .903 save percentage. He ranked second in the league in games played and minutes, and first in shots against.
"I got a lot of ice time and saw a lot of rubber," said Beskorowany. "It helped my development a lot for coming here, getting used to the shots and the mentality that I going to have to face when I get here."
That increased ice time came as the result of an offseason trade last summer that sent him from Owen Sound in the OHL, where he had been splitting time with New Rangers prospect Scott Stajcer, to the Kingston Frontenacs, where he was the clear cut No.1 guy in net.
"I didn't have that person looking over my shoulder, wondering is he coming in or worrying about who is starting tonight and all that kind of stuff. It was nice.," said Beskorowany. "And I learned a lot from Doug Gilmour being my coach. He taught me a lot about the pro mentality of the game and preparing myself for all that. It was definitely a good move for me."
And now Beskorowany, who has been in Frisco over the past week for the Stars development camp, is ready for the next move in his career, which is to the professional ranks. The Stars are high on the 2nd round pick (59th overall) from the 2008 NHL Draft.
"He's a guy with a ton of potential. We're lucky. We've got some big goaltenders that are very athletic and competitive, and Tyler is very much the same," said Stars goaltending coach Mike Valley. "He's got a great opportunity within this organization. He's going to be a first year pro and it's going to take a little bit to adapt, but he has the mental maturity and he has all the tools that it should be a smooth transition."
Beskorowany will get a chance to compete for a job with the Texas Stars of the AHL, but he's expected to start his career with Idaho in ECHL.
"That's a good place for him," said Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "He can get the net every night."
Beskorowany will come into Stars training camp with a good shot of confidence and some experience under his belt. He played well at camp last year and at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City as well. That helped him earn an entry-level contract last September.
"One more year wiser and know a little more about what to expect," he said. "Not much has changed over the year. Mike Valley is still around to help me out, which is good. That one year has helped me develop and get better and stronger for this year."
