Thomas Lenchyshyn Player Profile

Thomas Lenchyshyn               

Eastman (Midget AAA)

6’1 185 Defense

11-12 stats: 42GP 5-9-14 123PIM

We continue to profile and introduce the non readers of the newsletter to some of the top players across Western Canada.  This time around, we meet Defenseman Thomas Lenchyshyn of the Eastman Selects of the Manitoba Midget AAA League.  Thomas is a rough and tumble style of defenseman who can add a bit of offence.  He is one of the only 97 born players playing Midget in Canada this year as well, following in the foot-steps of Jordan Thomson who did the same last year and ended up being selected 4th overall.  Thomson was also from Manitoba.

First off, talk about some of your favourite minor hockey moments both on a personal and team level.  Also, where did you play your minor hockey and who were some of the biggest hockey influences so far for yourself?

Some of my favourite moments in minor hockey as a team were winning the Rural Peewee “AA” Provincials.    Personally, making and playing with the Jr. Jets in the Brick tournament in Edmonton as a 10 year old was really awesome.   I’ve played my minor hockey in Steinbach with the Millers.   The biggest influences in my hockey so far have been my mom and dad. 

You are currently playing in the Midget AAA league in Manitoba.  What was the decision behind leaving the Southeast Blizzard bantams to take the step up to play Midget hockey?

I was given the opportunity to try out for the Midget AAA team and made the team.   To play against older and stronger players would help in my development.  

 How do you feel playing midget hockey this year will help you with your overall development moving forward?  How has your season been so far?

Playing Midget is faster than Bantam. This has forced me to compete harder and challenge myself more when playing against bigger and faster players.  The team is a very young team with only 2 returning players.  Every win has been a tough battle and the scoreboard does not always tell the total story. 

What are some of the main strengths in your game that help set you apart from some of the other 97 born prospects.  Conversely what weaknesses are you currently working on to round out your game currently?

In my opinion, my strengths are skating, defensive play and compete ability.  I am working on seeing the ice better and making quicker puck movement decisions. 

Have you set any short or long term goals in hockey?  If so, what are they and how do you think you can obtain them?

Short term: Improving my offensive play.

Long term:  Always improving – Practice and training off season.

I like to model myself after three players: Lidstrom for his game smarts; Weber for his shot and physical play; and Doughty for his skating. 

Lastly, which players in your age group from Manitoba impress you the most in overall hockey play, including team-play, leadership and skill?

There are lots of really good kids I have played hockey with in Manitoba;   Too many to list.