From The University Daily Kansan
By Gabe Daniel
When it comes to transferring schools and making an impact on a team, not very many people would think about club sports. However, for the Kansas ice hockey club, a player transferring in has been a crucial factor in the team’s recent success compared to the last two seasons.
Junior forward Tyler Nelson spent his first two years at Waldorf College, located in Forest City, Iowa. He appeared in 59 games for the Warriors, netting 26 goals companied by 49 assists totaling for 75 points.
Even though both schools are in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), one of the biggest differences between playing at Waldorf and playing at Kansas is that Waldorf was a D1 program, compared to Kansas being D3.
“I think a little bit of the difference in game is at Waldorf, the game was a little bit faster,” Nelson said. “I’m a pretty puck-dominant player, I think that’s where I find the most success. I still had that at Waldorf, but guys were a little bit faster, a little bit stronger, so I moved the puck around a lot more at Waldorf.”
That difference has shown. In seven games this season for the Jayhawks, Nelson has already netted ten goals with 12 assists for 22 points on the year. One of those ten includes the overtime thriller against the Omaha Mavericks.
The Jayhawks have also won their last three games, and Nelson says it’s helped with the buy-in from the team.
“I think the reason for such a good start the season is the team,” Nelson said. Everybody wants to buy in to changing the way it’s been [pre-Covid], I wanna return to that team, return to a winning record, really make a run at nationals. I think that motivation really helps.”
Not only has the buy-in helped, but the team chemistry has been phenomenal as well, and the newcomers have meshed very well with the returners.
“Of course, playing with people you like makes everything easier,” Nelson said. “I really think everybody gets along on this team. Guys mesh well together, no matter who you’re playing with, and I think that really helps.”
Nelson currently sits at 97 career points, and is hoping to crack that milestone very soon.
“I know it’s like three points away from 100, I’d like to crack that milestone,” Nelson said. “I’d like to maintain my spot at the top scoring wise.”
Career milestones aren’t the only personal goal of Nelson’s, as he hopes to help get this team back to its past success.
“A personal goal, one that I really want and think is possible is to help get this team to nationals,” Nelson said. “Whether it be this year or next year…”
The Jayhawks sit at 4-4 on the year, and host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, Sept. 20 at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. Puck drop is set for 7:20 p.m. The game can be watched on KU Hockey’s page on YouTube.
(Originally published at https://www.kansan.com/sports/waldorf-transfer-tyler-nelson-making-significant-impact-for-kansas-hockey-club/article_cb37fdc8-6dd8-11ee-b6d4-4bb17324d746.html)
