NOTTINGHAM, UK – Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson has made one of the undoubted recruitment risks of his coaching career in signing young American forward Billy Ryan. A 2nd round New York Rangers pick, the talented player has had his issues with injuries.
Potentially one of the most talented players in the Elite League this coming season, Ryan tore his labrum in his left hip in his last year as a standout player with the University of Maine NCAA D1 club, which kept him out till January of the following year
Even with that lay-off, he was still talented enough to secure a spot with the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms, but a rusty Ryan polled no points in 15 games with the Flyers’ affilate, moving down to the ECHL for the remainder of the season, topping 28 points in just 22 games suggesting Ryan could place amongst the top scorers in the Elite League if he can maintain his fitness.
Still only 26, the Centre is a left handed player which could benefit the right-hand dominated Panthers club and Ryan could potentially play alongside 94 point Jade Galbraith and newly arrived sniper David-Alexandre Beauregard, who polled over 50 goals with the Manchester Phoenix two seasons ago.
Drafted third round by the New York Rangers, Ryan will be attending University of Derby whilst he is with the Panthers, suggesting Neilson rates the player as one of his most important acquisitions of the off-season.
A risk, but one worth taking according to Corey Neilson.
Contact the writer phil.andrews@prohockeynews.com
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