Niall Ryder. Photo by IceHockeyMedia.
Whitley Warriors are delighted to announce the re-signing of forward Niall Ryder for the 2021-22 season.
Starting out with Whitley’s junior setup, 23-year-old Ryder progressed from the Tomahawks to play three seasons for the Braves, notching a total of 8 goals, 21 assists and 198 penalty minutes in the 38 league games he played for the side.
Ryder then captained the Renegades in his 2016-17 campaign during which he averaged 1.3 points per game. After a second season with the outfit, in addition to playing for Northumbria Kings in the BUIHA, Ryder stepped up to ice for the Warriors, managing 1 goal and 3 assists in 20 league games in his first season. He then matched this points tally in Whitley’s most recent campaign, though making five less appearances and serving 65 penalty minutes more.
“I can’t wait to get going again. It’s been a strange 18 months for everyone really,” Ryder said when speaking of the season ahead. “It’s been good to have some time off at the weekends but now I’m ready to get back to playing and seeing the boys every week.
“We’ve got a really good set of lads in the room and to be back with them every week is exciting,” he added. “Paul and Lobby are putting together a strong team. I think the lads will still feel a bit disappointed with the way the 2019-20 season finished so hopefully we can take that into this season.”
Welcome back, Niall!