Somerset, NJ – If fans view the Protec Jr. Ducks roster page on the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) site, they might notice that Tyler Ebeling is one of Protec’s youngest skaters.

Still, that did not prevent the 18-year-old from excelling during his first season at the Junior “A” level. Most of the time, youngsters such as Ebeling who are fresh out of high school spend time and try to develop as skaters in the Eastern Hockey League Premier level, yet the dynamic skater made a smooth transition from the youth level.

In eight games played, No. 12 has recorded five goals and five assists. Keep in mind that while Ebeling is originally a forward, the Jr. Ducks utilized him on defense over the past few games – not too many skaters and 18-year-olds can typically handle that task in the EHL.

Yes, the commendable stat totals are there, but Protec and its coaching staff value Ebeling much more beyond the numbers on paper.

“Tyler is a beast,” said Protec head coach Terry Watt. “Our coaching staff is convinced that he’s one of our league’s best 200-foot players. Ebeling can do it all. He can score, pass, hit, block shots and play both forward and defense.”

Watt also expressed that he believes Ebeling is the “full package” on and off the ice, and that collegiate institutions would be “lucky to have him” as a student-athlete for four years.

It seemed that the left-handed shot has embraced his new home at the Pond and with the Jr. Ducks.

“So far it’s been awesome, and this is a great spot,” said Ebeling. Terry, (assistant coaches) Lenny Caglianone, Ray Vallejo and Joe  are great coaches, and the kids are just amazing. It’s really run professional,j which is something that I’ve really learned to like and appreciate and it’s def something I value.”

Prior to joining the EHL’s newest squad, Ebeling dressed for the New Jersey Rockets, New Jersey Hitmen and Mercer Chiefs, while skating at the “AAA” level. The Georgetown, Ontario native also shared his interests, goals and hobbies away from the rink.

Ebeling likes to ride dirt bikes and started playing golf over the summer. If you think those hobbies sound interesting, the youngster also does magic tricks with cards. Ebeling expressed that he picked up the magical hobby in High School, after a friend performed card tricks at a talent show.

From that point on, Ebeling was on a mission to impress his peers with “the cards.” He also joked about how his teammates haven’t witness his tricks – perhaps that will change soon, though.

“We’ll see,” said Ebeling. “Maybe in the winter it will be time to break out ‘the cards’ for the guys.”

Additionally, when the dynamic skater isn’t performing magic on or off the ice, Ebeling is determined at excelling in the classroom with his studies. He is “definitely” attending a four-year school when he’s ready to progress after Junior hockey.

“I take pride in my academics and plan on going to school for engineering,” said Ebeling. “Not only do I want to play good hockey (in college), but I want to go to a good academic school and further my education.”

The math and science lover is also interested in creating and potentially working with airplanes from an engineering and design standpoint.

Either way, it’s apparent that Ebeling has truly embraced his path to the EHL and what’s next for life after Junior hockey.

“I’m loving the experience and have no complaints about how I ended up at Protec.”

(The Protec Jr. Ducks can be followed on Twitter @ProtecJrDucks)