Drumheller born Talyn Boyko, son of Kelly and Sharla, has signed an entry-level deal with the New York Rangers.
The 19-year-old was playing for the Tri-City Americans of the WHL when he was picked in the NHL draft by the Rangers, coming in at 112th overall in July 2021. He was the eighth goalie selected at the draft.
He has since moved on and played the bulk of last season in Kelowna for the Rockets. He attended the Rangers’ Camp, went to the Rangers’ affiliate Heartford Wolfpack training camp and is now with Jacksonville Icemen.
“It is a step in the right direction and kind of solidifies me with the organization,” Boyko tells the Mail from Jacksonville.
“I’ll be playing in the system for hopefully their next couple years, and my goal is obviously to play with the Rangers. It's an awesome start and I am really honoured, especially to be a part of an organization like the Rangers, an original six team.”
Boyko has been working hard for this opportunity and brings the skills and attributes teams are looking for in the net.
“When you combine my size with my athleticism, that is part of what they see in me, and obviously, I am a really hard worker,” he said.
“I am so lucky to be where I am and have so many people to thank for helping me get here and wouldn’t be here without them,” Boyko said, noting he is grateful for his support from his agent Rich Winter, who is also from Drumheller.
“He’s been a huge part of this whole process and I am super grateful for his hard work,” said Boyko.
Not long after he began playing hockey in the Drumheller Raptor system, he identified his love for playing in the net.
“When I started playing hockey in Drumheller, you know everyone starts as a player…and then all the kids take turns with the goalie stick. I always wanted to be the kid standing in the net with the stick and that led to my first set of gear,” he said. “Right from there, I fell in love with the position. As I have gotten older, I learned how much control you have over the game and how you can have such a big role in winning the game, and part of that control is just why I love it so much.”
Right now he is focusing on his career, with an eye on getting his shot.
“I want to do everything I can do to get better and solidify myself as a professional hockey player. When the time is ready I hope to get an opportunity and make the most of the opportunity once you get one,” he said.
