Just how dominant a season has it been for Tyler Kirkby? Consider this: Kirkby finished with a league-best 116 points this past Arena Lacrosse League season – setting a new league record in the process – and what makes that number even more impressive is the fact that based on just his assists alone, his 98 helpers would have still led the league in scoring by 18 points.
In his previous two ALL seasons, also with the Sea Spray, Kirkby managed 120 points in 21 games, an average of 5.71 per game. This year, he put up 18 goals and 98 assists for 116 points, an average of 8.29 points per game.
The previous league record was set in 2023 when the Oshawa Outlaws’ John St. John finished with 107 points, an 8.23 points per game average.
“It is amazing to be put in the same category as them; it is definitely an honour,” Kirkby said St. John and Toronto Monarchs’ Parker Pipher, who was neck-and-neck with St. John for the scoring record in 2023, finishing two points behind with 105.
“Congratulations to Tyler on this amazing accomplishment,” said ALL West Director of Lacrosse Operations Rob Buchan. “Setting a new single-season record for our league is an incredible achievement and sets the standard for future players to strive to surpass.”
But while St. John and Pipher were more balanced in terms of scoring (the former has 33 goals and 74 assists while the latter finished with 38 goals and 67 assists) Kirkby has done the bulk of his damage with his playmaking abilities.
“It is his vision. Tyler just sees the game so well, and he opens up so much for his teammates with his passing,” said Sea Spray coach Ian Paterson. “Our guys know if they get open, he will find them.”
While proud of his historic season, Kirkby was quick to downplay the record-setting accomplishment.
“I couldn’t do any of this without the teammates and coaches I have,” he said. “My teammates put the ball in the net and my coaches trust me out there, so I thank them for this accomplishment.”
Photo: Langley Events Centre
