So far, so good on the road to pro hockey for former Buffalo Jr. Sabres forward Tyler Gjurich.
On Wednesday night, Gjurich scored his first professional goal for the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack in their preseason game against the Worcester Sharks. Gjuirch’s goal came midway through the first period, when he picked up a loose puck and fired it top shelf to put the Wolf Pack ahead, 2-1. His goal was unassisted.
The Wolf Pack went on to win the game, 5-2.
Gjurich led the Jr. Sabres and entire Ontario Junior Hockey League in scoring last season with 53 goals and 44 assists, winning the OJHL’s Rookie of the Year, Top Scorer and MVP awards. He was also named the Ontario Hockey Association’s Jr. A Player of the Year.
After originally committing to the University of Maine late in the 2012-13 season, Gjurich decided to instead pursue a pro career. He was an unsigned invitee to the Buffalo Sabres’ prospect camp during the summer and later was offered a pro tryout with the Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers.
* * *
Photo: Tyler Gjurich of the Hartford Wolf Pack. Photo by Chris Rutsch, used with permission.