Midwestern

Bilcke Joins Cullitons

Ty Bilcke says he isn't giving up a dream, he is just taking another path to the top. The Exeter native has returned from the East Coast Hockey League's Tulsa Oilers to join the Stratford Cullitons of the GOJHL.

His time in Tulsa was his first at the professional level, Bilcke had only good things to say about his experience, but felt it was best to come back home.

"It was an awesome experience to get my feet wet in pro hockey," Bilcke said. "With the team we had, they're a title contender and it just wasn't working out for me to get a lot of playing time."

Bilcke played in 9 of the team's 25 games this season. He leaves the ECHL with a +1 rating and 1 assist from those games.

Coming home isn't considered a step back for the 20 year-old forward, he feels a return will give him a chance to develop. He has friends on the Cullitons and will also be in front of family every game.

"Since I was five years old I wanted to play pro hockey, but now I'm gonna finish the year having fun with the guys."

As for his development, the plan is to pursue university hockey next season. With even more experience under his belt, he feels that will help him to return to the pros as a more well rounded player.

"I'll be four years older and more mature, hopefully a better hockey player too, then I can try out the pro ranks again."

As for this season, Bilcke joins a Cullitons team that sits fourth in the GOJHL Midwest. They continue to pack the Allman arena for home games and Bilcke is looking forward to playing in Stratford. He hopes to show what he learned in Tulsa at the Junior B level.

"I know now what it takes to be a professional athlete and I can bring that level of work ethic and preparation to the team, hopefully we can win a championship."

Bilcke's name brings with it a reputation. The gritty forward spent the bulk of his junior career as an enforcer for the Windsor Spitfires. He intends to bring that sandpaper to the Cullitons but his hands are good for more than throwing punches.

"It's no secret toughness is my style but coming from pro and the OHL the game may slow down a bit, hopefully I can showcase my skills that have been hiding." Bilcke said with a laugh.

Jokes aside Bilcke wants to put up points and keep his name out there in the hockey world. No matter where that takes him, the dream of the pros, while on hold, is very much alive.

 

 

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