Tyler Wright facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tyler Wright
Born	(1973-04-06) April 6, 1973 (age 52) Canora, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Right
Played for	Edmonton Oilers Pittsburgh Penguins Columbus Blue Jackets Mighty Ducks of Anaheim EHC Basel
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	12th overall, 1991 Edmonton Oilers
Playing career	1992–2007

Tyler Wright (born April 6, 1973) is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He played in over 600 games in the NHL. He played for teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

After he stopped playing, Tyler worked for the Edmonton Oilers as a director helping find new players. He and the Oilers decided to go their separate ways on August 23, 2023.

Tyler was born in Canora, Saskatchewan, but he grew up in Kamsack, Saskatchewan.

Tyler Wright's Hockey Journey

Starting in Junior Hockey

Tyler Wright was picked 12th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. This was a big moment for him!

Before joining the NHL, he played junior hockey with the Swift Current Broncos. In his first year, 1989-90, he scored 32 points. He got even better in 1990-91, scoring 41 goals and 92 points in 66 games. He continued to play well in 1991-92, scoring 36 goals and 82 points.

Playing in the NHL

After being drafted, Tyler played a few games for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons. However, he spent most of his early time playing for their minor league team, the Cape Breton Oilers.

Time with the Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1996, Tyler joined the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 45 games with them in the 1996-97 season. The next year, 1997-98, he became a full-time NHL player. He played all 82 games for the Penguins and helped them win their division. He also made his first appearance in the playoffs.

In the 1998-99 season, Tyler played 61 games for the Penguins but didn't score any points. This gave him an NHL record for playing the most games in a season without scoring a point. The next year, he scored 12 goals and 22 points in 50 games. In the 1999 playoffs, he scored his first playoff goal against the Washington Capitals.

Moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets

In 2000, Tyler was chosen by the new team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft. In his first year with the Blue Jackets, he scored 16 goals and 32 points. He became an important leader for the team.

Tyler is one of only a few players to score two "hat tricks" (three goals in one game) in a special way. He scored one goal at even strength, one on the power play, and one while his team was playing with fewer players (penalty kill). He did this on March 16, 2001, and again on October 27, 2002.

Playing in Switzerland and Anaheim

During the NHL lockout (when NHL games were paused), Tyler played hockey in Switzerland for a team called EHC Biel.

After four seasons with Columbus, Tyler was traded to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2005. He played 25 games for them before his contract ended in 2006.

Playing for Team Canada

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Gold	1993 Gävle

Tyler also played for Canada on the international stage. He represented his country at the World Junior Championships in 1992 and 1993. In the 1993 tournament, he was an alternate captain and helped Canada win the gold medal! He was also part of Canada's World Championship team in 2002.

After Playing Hockey

After retiring from playing, Tyler stayed involved in hockey. In 2007, he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets again, but this time in a different role. He became a development coach, helping young players improve their skills.

In 2013, Tyler left the Blue Jackets and became the director of amateur scouting for the Detroit Red Wings. This job meant he was in charge of finding new, talented young players for the team.

In 2019, he moved to the Edmonton Oilers to work with General Manager Ken Holland. They had worked together before in Detroit. Tyler and the Oilers decided to part ways on August 22, 2023.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1992	Canada	WJC	6th		7	1	0	1	16
1993	Canada	WJC			7	3	3	6	6
2002	Canada	WC	6th		7	0	2	2	33
Junior totals					14	4	3	7	22
Senior totals					7	0	2	2	33