ANTIGONISH HARBOUR, N.S. — ANTIGONISH - Tyler Peddle is the leader – on and off the ice – of the Novas, one of the top teams in the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League (NSMBHL).
“He does a lot of the heavy lifting on the ice,” Novas’ head coach Jamie Mattie said of the second-year player, who leads the provincial loop in scoring.
“But, more importantly, he is an even bigger leader off the ice and in the locker room. Tyler carries himself so well and he is widely respected, not only by his coaches and teammates, but also by his opponents throughout the league,” the first-year Novas’ bench boss added.
Mattie described the Antigonish native as the consummate captain.
“Tyler is our leader,” he said.
And, most importantly, Mattie added, he is “such a likeable kid.”
As for that ‘heavy lifting on the ice,’ the Grade 9 student at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School tops the NSMBHL with a sparkling 64 points in 23 games (as of press time), including a league-leading 45 goals.
“He has achieved a lot, but you would never know it,” Mattie said, noting his humbleness when it comes to individual accomplishments.
He added team success – not individual statistics – is most important to Peddle, another attribute that makes him an excellent leader.
“If Tyler has two goals and we lose, he is not happy,” Mattie said.
When asked about his offensive prowess this season, the 14-year-old not surprisingly deflected credit to his teammates.
“I wouldn't be able to do it without them," Peddle said.
Mattie spoke glowingly about Peddle's on-ice talent, including his ability “to drive to the net,” while calling him a “prolific” goal scorer.
Noting most of his skills are “very noticeable,” Mattie heaped praise on the high-flying forward for a skill maybe not as apparent to many – an uncanny ability to maintain his skating speed while carrying the puck.
“Tyler is just as fast when he has the puck on his stick,” the Novas’ head coach added, noting that is “not easy to do.”
Although he agreed his offensive skills are the strongest part of his game, the Antigonish Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) product takes equal pride in his defensive performance, an area in which he is constantly working to improve.
“I think I am strong on both sides of the puck,” Peddle said.
Coming off a strong rookie season in the NSMBHL, where he noted he had to adjust to the “speed of the game” at that level, along with playing against bigger and stronger opponents, he said he has been able to take that next step in his development in his sophomore campaign.
“I think I have been able to get a lot more room this season,” Peddle added.
He noted his physical growth and improved strength were key factors in making that progress.
When it comes to bettering his game, Peddle said there is always work to do, noting an ongoing effort to improve his “endurance and stamina.”
“I need to be able to go right back out there in pressure situations,” he added.
As for the next stage in his hockey journey – this is his last year of major bantam eligibility – Peddle said he is “not really sure.”
In the coming weeks, he and his parents Brad and Susan will sit down to discuss his options, which include skating in the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League or for one of the prep schools that are recruiting him.
“I want to make sure I choose the right fit for me,” Peddle added.
First thing is first: he is focused on the Novas’ push for a provincial crown.
“We are playing well, but we have to be a little more consistent,” Peddle said.
As of press time, the Novas were second in the league with a 17-6 record, as part of a multi-team log jam at the top of the standings.
Peddle noted the team is “pretty excited” about having the opportunity to host the year-end provincial tournament on home ice in Antigonish.
“We are going to be ready,” he said.
Peddle to the metal
Nova forward leading NSMBHL scoring race
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