Getting To Know The St. Louis Blues’ Black Aces; Forward, Ty Rattie
By Darla Yocom
The St. Louis Blues are challenging the Chicago Blackhawks tonight with hopes of leading the series 3-1 by the end of the night. Prior to the game this evening, speculation was out on whether Captain, David Backes would participate in tonight’s game after missing practice. Unfortunately Backes did not return to the bench. In addition, news came of fellow injured player, Forward, Brenden Morrow (#10), as he has a lower-body injury. Morrow is not likely to return during round one of the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Blues will be faced with a difficult decision when choosing who will or can fill the void left with the absence of both Morrow and Backes. Currently the Blues seem to have things covered by adding Forward, Derek Roy, back to the bench, but if the odds change and more injuries occur, they will require replacements. I will highlight one of the top choices in this segment. Let’s get to know the Blues’ next Black Ace, Forward Ty Rattie (#18).
Apr 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) is congratulated after scoring a goal with six seconds left in the third period to tie the game against the Chicago Blackhawks in game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Initially, the Canadian native was drafted by the Blues in round two during the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Starting with the 2013-2014 regular season, Rattie began playing for the Blues AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Since he first came on board, Rattie instantly exhibited great confidence on the ice, as well as a strong ability to adapt to any situation. He has quickly become one of the top players on the Wolves. This past regular season, he participated in 72 games, accumulating 48 points with 31 goals and 17 assists. Rattie has accomplished a significant amount during this past regular season. He has miraculously become the first rookie to lead in points during the 2013-2014 regular season and the first Wolves to register a 30-goal season since Forward, Mark Mancari (#23) in the 2011-2012 season and Forward, Brett Sterling (#29) in the 2006-2007 season. Ty Rattie is currently tied for first in the AHL for rookie goal-scoring along with Grand Rapids’ Forward, Teemu Pulkinen (#6). He has also finished eighth for points this season amoung the first-year players, which is highly impressive but not that shocking if you have followed his progress this season. The Wolves captured their ninth division title in franchise history this season and are moving on to the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs with home ice advantage against their Rochester Americans in round one.
On April 11, 2014, Ty Rattie made his NHL debut for the St. Louis Blues when they battled the Dallas Stars. He also played in the following game on April 13th against the Detroit Red Wings. Rattie only averaged approximately 11 minutes on the ice per game; however, he was able to make a total of four shots on goal. While he was unsuccessful in his debut with the Blues, I believe he has the talent and potential to be quite successful in the future, if given the right opportunity.
Apr 3, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) takes a shot against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
As game four winds down tonight, all of us hockey Blues fans are hoping for a win and cannot wait to see the team return for Friday’s big night down town at Scottrade. Check out the Blues’ return for game five on Friday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. CT. Let’s Go Blues!
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