Ryder Is Finalist For NHL's Calder Trophy
Published on April 22, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Mississippi Sea Wolves News Release
BILOXI, Miss. â Former Mississippi Sea Wolves forward Michael Ryder of the Montreal Canadiens has been selected as a finalist for the National Hockey League Calder Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is awarded annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League, as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Ryder, 24, led all NHL rookies with 38 assists and 63 points. A native of St. John's Newfoundland, Ryder notched a total of 25 goals during the regular season, including 10 power-play markers and a +10.
Joining Ryder as the three finalists are the New York Islanders forward Trent Hunter and Boston Bruins goaltender Andrew Raycroft. The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 10 during the 2004 NHL Awards Television Special in Toronto, Ontario and broadcast from 7:30-9 p.m. CT on ESPN 2.
On October 9, 2003, Ryder became the seventh former Mississippi player to advance to the NHL. In 2001-02, Ryder registered 14 goals and 27 points in 20 games with the Sea Wolves. The 6-foot-1 and 195-pound Ryder was chosen to represent Mississippi at the 2002 ECHL All-Star Game, but was unable to participate due to being recalled with Quebec of the American Hockey League. Ryder was selected by Montreal in the eighth round, 216th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Ryder and the Canadiens continue their quest for the NHL's Stanley Cup, going head-to-head against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Semifinals beginning at 6 p.m. CT tomorrow on ESPN2.
Sea Wolves season tickets for 2004-05, which gets underway in October, are on sale. Reserve your seat with a $25 deposit by calling (228) 275-WOLF.
ECHL Stories from April 22, 2004
- Rivermen Ousted from the Playoffs 3-1 in Game Four of the Northern Division Finals - Peoria Rivermen
- Blades Sweep Stingrays With 8-2 Win, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals - Florida Everblades
- ECHL Alum Ryder Is Finalist For NHL Rookie Award - ECHL
- Ice Dogs Name Malcolm Cameron 4th Head Coach In Team History - Long Beach Ice Dogs
- Ryder Is Finalist For NHL's Calder Trophy - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Today In The ECHL - ECHL
- Steelheads win Pacific Division title - Idaho Steelheads
- Aces suffer bitter 3-2 defeat - Alaska Aces
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