At age 17, Ryan Duncan was pulled into the hockey coach’s office and told to emulate his 15-year-old dormitory roommate.
So Duncan watched and took notice. His Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school roommate went to bed early. He watched what he ate. He was conscientious of his image and never put himself in awkward positions.
“Sometimes, when you are in high school, you are not mature enough to notice things like that,” Duncan said. “But after Coach pulled me in his office, I realized this kid was obviously something pretty special and I learned a lot from him.”
The kid’s name was Sidney Crosby, who has since gone on to be the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, the youngest team captain in league history and the most valuable player at age 21.
At the University of North Dakota, Duncan has carried himself much like his old roommate. Duncan’s accomplishments are numerous: He is an All-American, a Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and the NCAA’s active leader in career goals and points.
Off the ice, the senior forward takes care of his body. Perhaps that’s why he is the captain of the Fighting Sioux and hasn’t missed a game in his college career (154 straight).
“He has accomplished so many great things here and he’ll never tell you about any of them,” said North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol. “Some people are reserved and humble yet really like hearing about themselves. Dunc doesn’t need that. That’s not what drives him. He’s got an inner drive that’s pretty unique.”
Duncan said his drive for the sport can be traced back to his parents. He was involved with hockey at an early age and has always loved it. As he grew up, he continually crossed paths with those destined for greatness. His godparents are the parents of NHL all-star Dany Heatley. One of his friends is NHL all-star Jonathan Toews.
And he still keeps up with Crosby, usually through text messages.
“He’s been great ever since I roomed with him and that was a long time ago, so he doesn’t have to be,” Duncan said of the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar.
