Badgering: Wyatt Kalynuk
November 07, 2018 | Men's Hockey, Varsity Magazine
Sophomore defenseman shares more on being Badgers’ lone Canadian, his golf game and NHL camps
MADISON, Wis. — What's been the reason behind you scoring more goals?
"This year, we have a little better net-front presence. As a defenseman, you're not going to beat anyone with a shot from the point, no matter how hard you shoot it. I just think we've had good screens a lot. I think Will Johnson has done a great job screening the goalie. That is probably the biggest reason."
Is it strange being the only Canadian on the roster this season? You're even outnumbered by Swedes and Finns.
"It is different for sure. This is my fifth year in the U.S. and I've always had another Canadian with me. I know this program has always had a lot. I definitely take a little heat for it in the locker room. I don't have anyone to back me up. It is all just a lot of fun. I give it back to the Americans. With the Swedes and Finns, we are kind of neutral. We don't argue with each other."
It's a #Badgers and Gophers grudge match this weekend at the Kohl Center. Get your tickets. 🎟 - http://go.wisc.edu/dfecr8
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) November 5, 2018
There are Canadians on the women's team. You are from Virden, Manitoba, and women's goaltender Kristen Campbell is from Brandon, Manitoba. Did you know each other before coming to Wisconsin?
"She played hockey with my sister in AAA midget, actually. I never played with her or against her, but she was only 45 minutes away from me. If you play hockey in Southwest Manitoba, boy or girl, you know each other through the game."
What's your favorite thing about your hometown?
"Just the feeling. It is way different from not only the U.S., but Madison as well. I love it here, too, but in Virden you know everybody. I wouldn't say you can do what you want, there are still rules, but it's different. Especially in the small town that I'm from."
Do you think you can become the most famous person from Virden, Manitoba?
"[Laughing] There's some pretty famous people from there. The guy who started Boston Pizza [Jim Treliving], which is a big Canadian restaurant. I think he's on Canada's version of Shark Tank. It's called Dragon's Den. It would be tough to beat that. He is a multi-multi-millionaire. Maybe even a billionaire."
It's time for the Border Battle at the Kohl Center. @TonyGranato addressed the media this morning as the #Badgers get set for Minnesota.
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) November 5, 2018
It's a joke in hockey that you play golf after the season ends early when you don't make the playoffs or take an early exit. We've heard you're pretty good. How did you get good?
"That's just what I did in the summer. My dad went golfing with me a lot. It's a sport that's the opposite of hockey — it's an individual sport. I don't play it competitively, just among friends. I just like being out there. It's peaceful and a way to get away from the game. Right now, I am probably a three or four handicap."
Favorite follows on Instagram?
"Probably the PGA Tour or there's an account called SkratchTV. It's just golf highlights."
The toughest forward to go against in practice?
"Dominick Mersch and Tarek Baker. They're stronger guys. They're heavier guys who battle hard. They don't have really any remorse at practice, I guess you could say. They don't care that they are your teammates, which is good."
What have you learned from attending a couple of NHL development camps with the Philadelphia Flyers, the team that drafted you?
"It is definitely a learning camp. They aren't really evaluating you. It is mostly just how to take care of yourself off the ice. We were there for 10 days and learned a lot about nutrition, a lot about flexibility. It is definitely motivating. You are at their practice facility, which is one of the nicest in the NHL. You get a little taste of what it is like to be a pro and it is definitely intriguing."
