INCH A to Z: Clarkson's Tyrell Mason

The following article featuring Clarkson defenseman Tyrell Mason appeared August 19 on the InsideCollegeHockey.com Web site as part College Hockey A to Z.

You can't learn how to spell before you've mastered your A-B-Cs. Turns out that's the best way to preview the college hockey season as well. For the fifth year in a row we present Inside College Hockey A to Z, an alphabetical look at a player you need to know from all 58 colleges in Division I.

Other than the first letter of their last names, the three guys featured in this installment of INCH A to Z share another distinction. What do Clarkson's Ty Mason, Miami's Andy Miele, and Wisconsin's John Mitchell have in common? It's not their position - Mason is the lone defenseman in this trio. OK, all are left shots, but that's not what we had in mind. If you guessed that the three all lost in the regional finals of the 2008 NCAA tournament, congratulations. Now check the profiles to learn why Mason, Miele, and Mitchell are keys to their respective teams taking that next step this season.

TYRELL MASON
Clarkson
Sr. | D | Dawson Creek, British Columbia

Key Statistics: Ty Mason hasn't been called on to provide a lot of offense for Clarkson through his first three collegiate campaigns. He's scored one goal in each of his three seasons, and had nine assists last year after having 11 assists as a sophomore.

What He Does: Mason does the little things and helps Clarkson win. His low point totals? Not a problem. The Golden Knights have enough talent and scoring depth up front and the group of forwards adequately give the team enough goals to be successful. Mason's job is to take care of the defensive end of the ice and he does that very well. He's been a plus player in all three of his seasons, and led the team in plus/minus during his first two years in Potsdam. For his career, he rates as a plus-34.

The Bigger Picture: Mason will be counted on to take on a greater leadership role and blossom during his senior campain. A sixth-round draft pick of the New York Islanders in 2004, Mason has one year left of college eligibility to really shine before embarking on a professional career. As Grant Clitsome emerged for Clarkson last year and became an All-American defenseman, the Golden Knights will hope for the same from Mason. He will partner with fellow defenseman Phil Paquet as co-captains for Clarkson this season.

Clarkson head coach George Roll on Mason's contributions: "Ty is one of those guys who if you don't watch the game closely, you will not really notice him. That is a compliment. He is very strong defensively and does all the simple, little things that lead to success."

- Joe Gladziszewski

Complete article can be accessed via the INCH Web site by clicking here.