Tyler Eckford, a 2004-05 University of Alaska Fairbanks freshman, was one of 24 Central Collegiate Hockey Association players selected this past weekend in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Raleigh, NC. Eckford, a 6-3, 215-pound defenseman from Langley, BC, was drafted by the New Jersey Devils as the 217th pick overall.
"What's amazing is that Tyler was drafted as a defenseman and he has played that position for only one season," said UAF head coach Tavis MacMillan. "That is a tribute to Tyler's ability and skill. He's young and still learning, but he's getting better each day and there's no doubt his best hockey is ahead of him."
Eckford is coming to the Nanooks after playing the last two seasons for the South Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League. He had seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points in 58 games last season, while earning the Eagles' Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player awards. For his efforts, he was named to the 2004 BCHL All-Rookie Team. Eckford saw only limited action with the Eagles as an injury replacement in the 2002-03 season and spent most of that year with the North Delta Flyers of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League.
"With his size, speed and skill with the puck, Eckford can play physical for us and be an integral part of the our power play. That's a special player," said MacMillan. "We're definitely very lucky to have him in our program and working with him to reach his ultimate goal of playing in the NHL."
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