Pyett with the big boys
Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Friday, April 25, 2008

Regina Pats captain Logan Pyett couldn't be happier about getting another chance to wear Canada's colours -- even if it's just a practice jersey.

Pyett is one of three non-NHL players invited to practice with Team Canada as the squad continues to put the finishing touches on its roster for the IIHF world hockey championship, which begins May 2 in Halifax and Quebec City. Pyett is slated to train with the team for five days before returning home Tuesday.

"It's quite an honour for me," offered the 19-year-old blueliner, who has been inactive since the Pats were eliminated from the WHL playoffs on March 29. "I've been struggling with what to do with my life lately. It's nice that I got the call. Obviously I jumped at the opportunity, even if it's just to practise with these guys and be around the atmosphere of all these professional players who are stars in the NHL. I've only been here for a day and I'm already picking up on a lot of stuff."

Pyett arrived in Quebec City on Thursday and hit the ice for the team's first practice under the guidance of head coach Ken Hitchcock. Pyett is slated to work out with the team through its two exhibition games, slated for Saturday against Finland and Monday versus Russia.

"I didn't really expect this so my focus did kind of shift," he noted. "I was just taking it easy, then this came up. It was a little weird (being back on the ice) but it's exciting. It was no problem adjusting and getting laced up again. I felt good out there. I'm going to make the most of the next couple days and then I'll be back and I'll probably just get right into training. This will help me start getting back in shape after the couple weeks I've taken off."

Thursday's practice included the likes of defencemen Ed Jovanovski and Jay Bouwmeester, goalie Cam Ward and forwards Shane Doan, Martin St. Louis and Eric Staal. On the way are a host of players who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, including Regina natives Ryan Getzlaf and Chris Kunitz of the Anaheim Ducks.

Pyett is joined on the practice squad by forwards Cory Emmerton (OHL's Brampton Battalion) and Kyle Turris (NCAA's Wisconsin Badgers). The trio played together in the Canada-Russia Super Series last August. Pyett and Turris also helped Canada win the 2008 world junior title.

"I just want to have a good camp and try to keep my foot in the Hockey Canada door," noted Pyett, who has also won gold medals at the world under-18 and under-17 levels. "Obviously there's a lot I can learn from these pros. It's nice to watch the leadership and how quickly these guys come together. It's kind of a flashback to other Team Canada (experiences) I've had. Even though I'm not on this team it's still great to be in that atmosphere and see what it takes to play at this level."

Pyett is eligible to play one more season in Regina, although he's more likely to graduate to the pro ranks. Contract talks are ongoing with the Detroit Red Wings, but there's no urgency for him to sign and join the organization immediately since the AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids has already been eliminated from the playoffs.

"I hope we can get a deal done within the next month before the (June 1) deadline," added Pyett, a seventh-round pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft. "I've had a great time and experience in Detroit at the camps. It's a great organization so I'd obviously like to get something done there and have a chance to play in their system."

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