Tyler Harding may not be the perfect hockey player or the perfect captain, who is? But when it comes to his passion for his team and his school he is real close. Tyler leaves every ounce of energy out on the ice as he gives his teammates and his coaches all he can. Being a leader is part instinct and part learned behavior, but most of all it is not being afraid of being your own person. Tyler leads by example, his effort during games and practices is something that will hopefully leave and impression for the players who will step into his shoes come graduation. As for now Tyler is hoping to help lead those players back to Nationwide Arena and the state frozen four!
Tyler Came to the Cats hockey program for the start of his Sophomore season. He along with stablemate Graham Kelsey helped solidify the defensive group that was hurt by the graduation of 4 Seniors off the 08′ team. He scored  5 goals and his 18 points ranked 1st amongst defense-man and 5th overall on the team.
Last year Tyler was chosen by the coaching staff to be one of the team Captains. His flexibility to play all over the ice was an asset as the Cats used him both on the wing and at Defense. His 24 points were once again tops among the defense, but it was his improving play on the penalty kill that helped the Cats in so many close games. No more was that evident than in the state semi-final game versus Dublin Coffman. With his team clinging to a 2-0 lead. Coffmanwas awarded a lengthy 5 on 3 with just over 2 minutes left in the game. Tyler blocked numerous scoring chances selling out with his body before hitting the empty net from 160′ and send the Cats into the state final.
This year Tyler has picked up where he lefty off last season. His 5 goals and 19 points once again have him atop the defense-man in scoring, but it has been his willingness to do the dirty work that has provided for his importance. This past weekend during the League playoff tournament, Tyler’s play versus St. Johns epitomized what he means to his team. With the Johnies poised to steal the game on a 4 on 3 power-play, Tyler blocked a shot with his chest, cleared the puck, raced past the Titan defense and hit the game winning shorthanded goal. His play sent the Cats into the Championship game where they knocked off regular season league champs St. Francis 7 to 3.
The Cats will head into the state playoffs this Thursday at 8. If they have hopes of a return trip to Columbus and a state championship then Tyler Harding will most definitely be counted on to lead his team. Good luck Tyler on the rest of your senior season and Congratulations on being a great Wildcat!!!
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