WHL Kelowna Rockets

Barrie WHL's Best D-Man

April 29, 2010 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release


Dynamic Kelowna Rockets defenceman Tyson Barrie was rewarded for what will be remembered as one of the best seasons ever for a Kelowna Rockets defenceman.

The 18-year-old Barrie was named the Western Hockey League's best defenceman on Wednesday, capping a season that saw him do just about everything for the Rockets.

Barrie played more than 30 minutes a night, led the team offensively, was solid defensively and even played some forward in the hopes of generating offense.

In a word he was outstanding.

Kelowna Rockets media relations director Kevin Parnell had a chance to talk to Barrie about his season after the Victoria native was named the league's top blueliner.

Kevin Parnell: What are your feelings having been named the WHL's top defenceman?

Tyson Barrie: Obviously it's an honour. There are lots of good defenceman that have won the award. I had a lot of help from my teammates and my coaches put a lot of trust in me in playing me as much as they did.

Parnell: How did your coaches show that trust?

Barrie: They played me in all situations, not only in an offensive role but trusting me in defensive situations as well.

Parnell: You played a lot of minutes every game and even played forward to try and generate offense. What did you think about that?

Barrie: I think that was part of the trust they put in me. They knew I played two years prior and had a lot of good coaching. It was getting to the point where I knew when I could jump into the play and when I couldn't. (Defense coach) Dan Lambert really helped me and (head coach) Ryan Huska too.

Parnell: How do you view the year overall?

Barrie: It was a fun year all around. I took on a different role. Last year I was still a young guy but this year I had more responsibility so it was nice.

Parnell: How about in terms of development for yourself as a player?

Barrie: I think you look at the way Kelowna has been developing defenceman: The number one guy usually plays a lot and usually has a good year. You look at Tyler Myers last year and Luke Schenn the year before. I think it comes with experience and good coaching. The extra ice time and extra pressure to play good every night helps. It was a good year for me and to get this award is a great honour.

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 29, 2010


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