To take a solid defenseman - Erik Gudbranson - in Round 1 during the May draft was step one to the Fronts' unveiling their plan to strengthen the franchise.

Step two came with the announcement of another defenseman's name - Tyler Mort -  as a second round choice.

Mort, who played 49 games with the York Simcoe Express, tallied 10 times, added 26 assists and totaled 60 minutes in penalties during the 2007-08 season.

At 6' 1" and 190 pounds, Tyler, who hails from Keswick, Ontario was among the top 15 rated defensemen eligible for the priority draft.

The scouts, in evaluating his strengths, viewed him as a physical, discipline-minded player who consistently complete at a high level.

Though he can occasionally get into the offensive side of the game, he takes his defensive responsibilities to heart and that becomes his prime focus.

His shifts on the Kingston blueline has proven early that he keeps his games simple but effective.

Tyler is physically strong, which allows him to hold his own with opposing forwards behind or in front of the net. He appears to bring a competitive mind-set to each shift on the ice and, despite his inexperience at the OHL level, he has not looked out of place, even against many veteran players from opposing teams. 

How do members of the Fronts' coaching staff view Tyler's play now and his future with the team?

“He's a conscientious, hard-working kid who really wants to learn and to get better,”said Darren Keily. “Definitely I see him having a bright future in this league.”

            “Tyler will be a mainstay on the Kingston defence for a long time,” added Tony Cimellaro. “He is a future leader on this hockey club.

            A quiet individual, who is well-liked by his team mates, “Tyler knows what he has to do to improve and over time he will become a fan favorite,” concluded Cimellaro.