Life has been fairly different for everyone around the world as of late, mostly in a negative aspect.
For some, life has changed for the better.
Enter David Tendeck.
On Monday, the longtime Giants goaltender signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes, the organization that drafted him in the sixth round (158th overall) in 2018.
“It was pretty exciting, it’s a great opportunity for myself.” the North Vancouver native said about the accomplishment.
Tendeck put up career-bests in GAA (2.29 – 5th in WHL) and save percentage (.920 – 10th in WHL) in 35 appearances with an 18-13-1-1 record and three shutouts during the 2019-20 season.
The franchise’s leader in saves said the contract had been in the works for about a week before the announcement, joining Bowen Byram (Colorado) as the two NHL-signed players from this season’s roster.
Having played with the Giants for parts of the last five seasons, the southpaw has been there for the lows and recent highs the organization has seen in the last half-decade. From the team finishing with 20 wins in his rookie year to winning the Western Conference two years later, he’s been a consistent backbone of the team, which brings the thought, “What took so long?”.
Over the last two seasons, the Arizona Coyotes scouting staff has been regularly spotted at the Langley Events Centre, but the trips seemed to become more common as this season continued, specifically the second half.
“The Coyotes goalie development team helped me a lot over the last couple of years here, just by teaching me different things to help my game come along,” Tendeck said on his NHL club’s staff.
It can be stressful for NHL drafted players going into their overage season unsigned but Tendeck says he’s always believed in himself and his abilities, which have been criminally underrated throughout his WHL career.
“I guess you could say it was a little bit worrisome (not being signed) but I always knew deep down I was good enough and would get a chance,” he said.
The six-foot-two netminder now has a roster spot secured for the 2020-21 season whenever it should start but it is still unclear where he will be starting out.
The Coyotes’ AHL team is based out of Tuscon, Arizona which is less than two hours down the road from Glendale where the big club plays out of. Their ECHL affiliate, the Rapid City Rush, is based out of South Dakota.
He says it’s too early to tell what the organization has planned for him for next season which has many unknowns of its own.
When the start of the season does eventually come, Tendeck will have the same approach to it as he has during his tenure with the Giants.
“I don’t really have expectations, I more have goals. For me it’s always been about getting better everyday and keep moving forward no matter what happens. That’s kind of my outlook on it.” he said.
Highlights
Here are a few highlights to give a glimpse of what Giants fans have been enjoying nightly for the past four seasons:
What’s Next?
In the near future I will be coming out with individual articles on each of the graduating Giants from this season (Tyler Preziuso, David Tendeck, and Milos Roman) as a farewell and to hear about what made their WHL careers so special. Stay tuned……
