Meet Ty Russell
Calgary Buffaloes U18 AAA
2004 DOB – Forward
“6,1” 175 Pounds
Tell us about your hometown, family, and hobbies
I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta for the past 17 years. As someone who grew up in the city, I have grown accustomed to everything Calgary has to offer, may that be the traffic on the way to the rink or the rapidly changing weather. Calgary has many local rinks that have become my second home as hockey has been a huge part of my life. Another activity that I have grown to enjoy is golf. Being able to get out with my friends and family to hit balls has been another sport I have come to enjoy. My family consists of 6 members, my mom, dad, two sisters and a younger brother. They have always been supportive of my hockey career.
How did you originally begin playing hockey (what age as well) and what is your favorite memory from when you were younger?
I originally started playing hockey due to the influence of my father. He introduced me to the game at a young age and I have been addicted to it ever since. One of my favourite memories at a young age was learning how to skate with my father. He would spend countless hours teaching me how to stay on my feet and dragging me around when I got tired. It allowed us to create a strong relationship that has kept growing ever since.
Who is your favorite NHL player and who do you model your game after? Why?
An NHL player that I model my game after would be Patrice Bergeron. The way he processes the game and plays a full 200 feet inspires me to work on both ends of the ice. He also portrays leadership attributes that I have tried to implement into my game, which has positively impacted my teammates.
What team do/did you play for? What was your favorite part of the season?
I currently play for the U18 AAA Buffaloes in the AEHL. My favourite part of the season so far has been getting to know all the guys and creating a brotherhood that is allowing us to be successful.
What are your top goals as a student athlete? Why are they your top goals?
My top goal as a student athlete is to use both my athletics and academics to acquire a scholarship and play division one hockey. This is my main goal because I have been working towards it from when I started playing hockey. Continuing my journey will teach me valuable life skills that will help me succeed in the future.
How important is school from your perspective? Why is it that way?
School is extremely important to me because it allows me to push myself to further my knowledge and improve essential life skills. It also will allow me the opportunity to attend post-secondary school in order to set myself up for future success.
What would it mean to you to play at the NCAA or Pro level?
To play NCAA hockey would mean a lot to me because it is something as a family we have devoted countless hours to. For that to pay off and for me to continue my hockey career while furthering my academics would mean a great deal to me.
What separates you as a player or person? How do you continue to get better?
I feel my work ethic and dedication separates me from everyone else because it allows me to gain a competitive advantage over them. Training harder than others or working on my academics allows me to excel above and beyond everyone else.
What impact are you looking to have in your sports career? (Community, team, success, etc)
I strive to be someone my coaches can trust at both ends of the ice. I also want to bring my leadership attributes on and off the ice with me as it will leave a positive impact on everyone that I come into contact with. As I continue my hockey career, I want to leave a positive impact on the communities I play in.
One fun fact about yourself.
One fact about me is that I know how to ride a unicycle.