Tyler Kotlarz comes to UAH after splitting the 2010-11 season between the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canada Hockey League and the Markham Waxers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, playing a total of 52 games and scoring 14-15–29. In 2009-10, Kotlarz appeared in 62 games with Carleton Place scoring 29-28–57 as a first-year team.
As with our other interviews, my questions will be in bold-face type.
When did you first start playing hockey? Who in your family played and was involved in you taking up the game? Have you always played your position, or have you played elsewhere on the ice? What was your favorite team and player growing up?
I first started playing hockey when I was four. My dad played major juniors in western Canada. Both my younger brothers played growing up, and my youngest brother still does. My dad was the one who got me into hockey, and he coached me as I was growing up.
I’ve mostly played right wing all my career except a few years at center. My favorite team growing up was the Detroit Red Wings, and my favorite player was Steve Yzerman.
Why do you want to play college hockey as your junior career came to an end? What schools recruited you other than UAH? Why did you choose UAH?
I’ve always wanted to play college hockey. It’s a way to get your education while continuing to do what you love. I was recruited by a handful of other teams including Army, St. Lawrence, Mercyhurst, Robert Morris, Canisius, and Sacred Heart. I chose UAH because they showed the most interest in me, and I also thought it would be a good experience.
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses on the ice? What is your favorite game situation?
My biggest strength is my shot and finishing, which builds on my good hands and awareness. I don’t have any huge weakness, but there’s always something that I’m working on. My favorite game situation are games that go right down to the wire, either tied up or one goal apart—whenever there’s a desperation to the game.
When you’re not playing hockey, what are your favorite sports? If we come across you away from the rink, what are you going to be doing?
Besides hockey, my favorite sports to do are wake boarding and golf. If you see me outside of class or the rink, I’ll probably be working out, playing guitar, hanging out, or doing something outside. I try to stay as busy as I can.
What do you want out of your UAH experience? What do you expect to learn here to make you a more well-rounded person?
I want all that I can get out of my time at UAH. Hopefully it will lead to playing professional hockey or a great career in finance. I hope to grow as a person and as a player at UAH.