Tyler Paul Myers is a Canadian-American professional ice hockey defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. At the end of the 2009–10 season, Myers won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie. Standing at 6 ft 8 in (203 cm) tall, he is the tallest active player in the NHL and was nicknamed "The Big Easy" or "Big Tex" when he started his NHL career, because he was born in Houston. After moving to Vancouver, Myers earned the nickname "Chaos Giraffe" from fans.
Myers with the Buffalo Sabres in 2009
Myers warming up prior to a game on Veterans Day 2011
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft was the 46th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, on June 20–21, 2008. The Senators were originally awarded the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, but because of the lockout, that draft was scaled back significantly from its usual format of being open to the public and having many draft-eligible players in attendance. The actual 2005 drafting was held in Ottawa's Westin Hotel instead of the Corel Centre, as Canadian Tire Centre was then known. As a result of 2005's abridged draft, Ottawa was compensated with the 2008 draft.
Scotiabank Place during the draft
Stage and team tables at Scotiabank Place
Alex Pietrangelo was selected fourth overall by the St. Louis Blues.
Nikita Filatov was selected sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets.