Via tampabaylightning.com: PHOTO 5 OF 7 – 2012 SYRACUSE CRUNCH TRAINING CAMP Alex Killorn.

Sunday morning (2/10) the Tampa Bay Lightning called up forward Alexander Killorn from AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch. The 2007 third round pick has been described as a forward with a good mix of size and speed. He may not be the biggest player, measuring in at 6 foot 2 and 205 pounds, but he is definitely has a size advantage over Dana Tyrell. Killorn is, essentially, replacing Tyrell who was placed on waivers and then reassigned to the Syracuse Crunch. Minor league call-ups have been a big part of the team recently, with players like Cory Conacher, Pierre-Cedric Labrie, and others contributing to the NHL team after spending time with the Syracuse Crunch.

In one game, I identified many positives in regards to Alexander Killorn’s performance. It was extremely difficult to find any positives in a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers, which is recapped by Tasha Meares here. However, Killorn was able to spark the Lightning’s best scoring chance, which ended up in the back of the net off the stick of Vincent Lecavalier. Killorn was able to skate deep into the slot and fire on Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. His poise and calmness with this situation was phenomenal, especially considering the fact that this was Killorn’s debut. The rebound was whacked back out to Victor Hedman, who was able to fire away twice on Lundqvist. Eventually, Lecavalier found a rebound produced by a Hedman slap shot and fired it into the back of the net. Killorn’s combination of solid size plus great speed allowed him to gain space and create the scoring opportunities, eventually leading to the one goal on the night for the Lightning. Killorn tallied a secondary assist on the goal, his first NHL assist and point. Killorn’s play may have been the best of the night compared to the rest of the team, and this should gain Killorn considerably more ice time as the season continues.

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Alexander Killorn is not like any other college graduate.  The 22 year old attended Harvard University where he excelled on the Harvard men’s hockey team all four years he was there.  After the government major’s college hockey season ended, he signed an amateur tryout contract with Tampa Bays top affiliate the Norfolk Admirals in March. Later in the month of March, he would sign a 2 year contract with Tampa Bay, the team who drafted him in 2007.

Alex joined the Admirals in the middle of the 28 game winning streak.  The Nova Scotia native had a stand-out college career amassing a whopping total of  109 points in the four years he attended Harvard.  The transition to the pro game looked easy for Killorn where he would total 6 points in the last 10 games of the regular season for Norfolk.  He would then go on to gain 12 points in 17 playoff games.  His biggest asset is his fore-checking ability.   He uses his 6’1″ frame to knock the opposition off the puck.

On graduation day, the team was not even in the same country as Harvard.  They were playing the St. John’s Ice Caps in the Eastern Conference Finals.  That would be no problem for Killorn when his team swept the series.  Alex walked across the stage at the historic University on May 24, however, the celebration did not last long as he had to fly back to Norfolk and rejoin the team and start practicing for the Calder Cup Finals.

Killorn is now a Harvard graduate with a degree in Government and has hoisted the Calder Cup.   He  is a one of a kind  recent college graduate.  He will be battling for a roster spot with the big club next year with some of  his fellow Calder Cup winners.  If he works hard enough and has a  solid showing in rookie development camp, as well as, training camp he could make his Lightning debut next year.

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Alex Killorn, #19, skating during warm-ups