Ryder Ritchie Named to 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
December 19, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince Albert Raiders News Release
The Prince Albert Raiders are proud to announce that 2006-born forward Ryder Ritchie has been named to the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects game scheduled for Wednesday, January 24th in Moncton, New Brunswick.
"It felt good to find out," Ritchie said. "It was one of my goals coming into this season to be a part of the top prospects game, and it's definitely an honour. I can't wait to be able to represent myself and represent the Prince Albert Raiders."
In terms of production, Ritchie would describe this season as a step back from what he's used to seeing out of himself on the ice. Regardless, the sophomore winger has put together 31 points (13G-18A) in 34 regular season games. He says that's not bad, but he still expects more out of himself.
"It's been an up and down year," he explained. "I feel like I started off pretty well and then I had that little stretch there (where it wasn't so well). I think I've still been creating and getting a lot of chances, they just haven't been going in the net. The numbers aren't there right now, but if I continue playing harder all of that will come. I'm just looking forward to re-energizing at home and coming back out and having a massive second half."
Ritchie has been projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft all season long, hovering between the top 10 and top 20. The Kelowna, BC product explains what he has been working on this season to make his claim to be an NHL first rounder.
"It's definitely a goal of mine to be a first round pick, and to get drafted into the NHL would be a huge honour. I'm just trying to develop all the parts of my game, and I've been focusing on me two way game and getting better in my own end, but also trying to improve the other parts of my game like my speed and shot. I just want to make my overall game better so I can be that first round draft pick."
Scouts have come from near and far to see Ritchie in action this season. Now with scouts from every NHL team coming to see Ritchie, along with everyone else at the top prospects game, he explained how he is going to put his talents on display, not only at the top prospects game, but for the rest of the season.
"Hopefully I will get to show off my skillset and my overall game. My hockey IQ and also being the hardest worker and the biggest competitor. I will obviously also do whatever it takes to help my team win."
You can watch Ritchie and the rest of the top prospects on January 24th, 2024. You can also watch Ritchie and the rest of the Raiders back in action on December 27th in Saskatoon when they take on the Blades. Prince Albert's next home game is on Saturday, December 30th against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
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