The most popular University of Denver hockey player right now appears to be the guy who was a healthy scratch in eight of the first 10 games. That would be hard-hitting John Ryder, a third-year sophomore defenseman from Colorado Springs who has emerged as a key contributor in a deep blue-line corps.
Despite playing in just half of DU’s 16 games, the former walk-on is tied with John Lee with a team-high 76 hits. Ryder, DU’s most physical and tenacious player, has learned to pick his spots when delivering the big hit, which has earned him more playing time.
“He’s outstanding,” DU standout defenseman Patrick Wiercioch said. “Every time he’s out there, he’s playing the body, and he does it so well that when he’s not in the lineup, it seems like the other team has so much more space. But when he is out there, he closes the gap and someone is falling down.”
The Rampart High School graduate is quiet and reserved off the ice. On it, he has always played with an edge.
“Love to hit, and always have, according to my parents,” he said. “I certainly hope the guys get energy from my hits and toughness, and at the same time feel protected. If I’m making hits and doing my job, my teammates can get the puck easier and do their job.”
DU has five NHL-drafted scholarship defensemen, including three freshmen who got immediate playing time. That’s why Ryder and a fellow recruited walk-on, Chris Nutini, a junior, didn’t play much early. Ryder, 6-feet-1 and 200 pounds, is getting more and more time, having played in the past six games. He has committed only two minor penalties this season.
“How he’s playing right now is of tremendous value to us,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “John is reading the ice a lot better. The way he’s managing his game is much more productive. That comes with confidence and experience.”
Ryder, 20, received a medical redshirt in 2008 after a broken wrist limited him to nine games as a freshman. He played in 32 last season, often frustrating the coaching staff while entertaining the crowd with spectacular mid-ice hits.
“I had talks with (the coaches) and I watched a lot of video,” he said. “It helped me pick my spots better. It’s just me growing up.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Weekend glance
No. 2 Denver (10-4-2, 8-2-2 WCHA) at No. 12 Minnesota- Duluth (10-5-1, 7-4-1 WCHA)
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, Duluth, Minn.
TV/Radio: None/KKFN 104.3 FM
Notes: DU is 6-1-1 against ranked teams and 5-2 on the road. . . . DU defenseman Patrick Wiercioch and UMD blue-liner Dylan Olsen will miss Saturday’s game to report to Team Canada’s final World Junior Championship tryout camp.
No. 6 Colorado College (10-4-2, 7-3-2 WCHA) at No. 17 St. Cloud State (8-6-2, 7-4-1 WCHA)
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: National Hockey Center, St. Cloud, Minn.
TV/Radio: None/KRXP 103.9 FM
Notes: CC is on a three-game winless drought (0-2-1), and St. Cloud State has won three in a row. The Huskies, who have played just two home games since Oct. 24, won twice at Alaska-Anchorage last weekend.
Mercyhurst (8-9-1, 8-5-1 AHA) at Air Force (8-5-3, 8-1-3 AHA)
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena
TV/Radio: None/KCSF 1300 AM
Notes: Air Force takes a nine-game unbeaten streak (6-0-3) into its final games of 2009, but Mercyhurst has won its past six games. Air Force is tied with RIT atop the AHA.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
