Tyler Sandhu’s final season in the Western Hockey League is proving to be a memorable one.
The campaign began by the 20-year-old Seafair Minor product being named captain of the Tri-City Americans. He has led the club to a solid 24-17-3 record and is well on his way to his best season ever with 46 points in 44 games, including 11 goals.
Sandhu started his WHL career in Everett where he played two seasons before being dealt to Red Deer in the early stages of the 2014-15 campaign. His stint in Alberta lasted just 28 games before being traded again, this time to the Americans where he has found a home in more ways than one with the Kennewick, WA based club.
“I thank Tri-Cities for everything they have done for me,” said a grateful Sandhu who was back home visiting family during the holiday break. “I live in an area with a lot of great people and have amazing billets. I just love the city.”
Sandhu admits he is trying to savour his fifth and final year in the WHL as much as he can, even those long bus trips.
“It’s crazy how fast it goes by,” he continued. “I just try to take it day-by-day and enjoy every minute of it. You learn a lot of life lessons playing in this league and some things you just take for granted.
“At a young age, I hated those five to 10-hour bus trips. Now, you realize how special they are and I’m just soaking it all in.”
Sandhu never did get a chance to play with his young brother Jordan. They are three years apart and Jordan opted to play in the B.C. Hockey League where he is also a team captain with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. That’s quite a reflection of the brothers’ leadership ability and their upbringing too.
“We are very fortunate both our teams have given us that opportunity,” added Tyler. “I think my parents and family in general instilled in us to try and be good people and think of others.
“Jordy is one of those kids who works hard all the time and is a very good young man. I’m pretty proud of him.”
