Ryan Conroy has quickly become a fan favourite in Fort McMurray. From his devastating bodychecks to his smooth skating and hockey smarts, the Oil Barons defenceman has been a joy to watch at the Casman Centre the past two seasons.
The 17 year old has not only been getting attention from around the Alberta Junior Hockey League but also from several prestigious schools and on Wednesday the team announced that Conroy has committed to Yale University for the 2020-2021 season.
“As an organization, we’re extremely excited and proud for Ryan,” said Head Coach and General Manager Tom Keca. “Earning a scholarship to a prestigious school like Yale is no small feat. But it shows the type of player and individual that Ryan is.”
In his second season with the MOB, Conroy has two goals and 19 points through 37 games and is excited about the opportunity that awaits him.
“It’s a great feeling. Obviously to have the opportunity to go to such a prestigious school, it’s a great thing and it’s also a relief as now I can just focus on playing hockey,” said Conroy.
Conroy joined the MOB at the start of last season after graduating from the Rockyview Raiders Midget AAA program. As a young 16 year old, the Chestermere, Alberta native didn’t shy away from the physical play and quickly made a name for himself with his big open ice hits despite standing at just 5’8″.
“I’ve always been the smaller guy and a big part of that (fearlessness) has been my dad getting on me about being physical and it kind of runs in the family,” said Conroy with a smile. “It helps set me apart, it’s not as big of a part of the game as it used to be so being able to be physical and have a real presence out there in that aspect is huge and it helps create space out there for me because I am smaller.”
Prior to the start of this season, Conroy was named as part of the leadership group even though he is still one of the youngest players on the team.
“It’s a huge honour for the coaches to believe that I’m ready for that and have the confidence in me to believe that I’m one of the leaders in the room was a huge honour,” said Conroy on being named an assistant captain. “I love that I get that opportunity to mentor the guys and give them my thoughts and help bring them up when they’re down.”
Conroy has seen his role with the club expand even further than just a leadership role. He plays on the top defence pairing alongside team captain and fourth year veteran Taner Miller. The pair faces the oppositions top line each and every night and eats up big minutes on the powerplay and penalty kill.
“He’s a tough, dynamic offensively-minded defenseman that has really taken a leadership role on the ice and in the dressing room this year,” said Keca. “Sometimes it’s easy to forget that he’s only 17. But his maturity is much greater than his age.”
Through two seasons with the Barons, Conroy has scored two goals and chipped in 32 assists in 88 games played.
Conroy becomes the second Oil Baron to commit to an NCAA Division I program this month joining Liam Izyk who committed to attend and play for the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers starting next season.
