Ryder Ritchie

Last year's OHL Rookie of the Year has grown a few more inches to almost six foot and this should aid him as he played bigger than he was last year. Already plays with an edge. He is an elusive skater and can score from distance with his quick shot. He is a natural score who is a natural sniper and underrated as a cerebral playmaker. A very slippery puck handler who weaves through traffic, draws defenders, and then finds open teammates. Displays a whistling writer and can find the smallest of openings to hit the netting. Like a dog with a bone, he is relentless in pursuit. This ultra competitive "big man" is a game breaker who doesn't need a lot of chances to light the lamp. Unfortunately he has been out of action since mid-December. His production hadn't grown to the higher levels as expected but he still has to be considered a dangerous downhill attacker who can let the puck go heavy and hard while in stride or pass on the rush like few others in the Western Hockey League can.  An elite transition player who drives possession with his feet and lateral movement, and gains zone entry with ease and whose speed at making plays puts the opposing defenders on their heels.

                                                              --Bill Płaczek--