Ryder Thompson's first year in Portland was many things. It was fun, it was exciting, it was challenging, but it was certainly not quiet.
In his first season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, Ryder stayed very busy with all of his hockey activities which include on-ice practices and off-ice training as well.
When Ryder wasn't on the ice, in the gym, or doing any other team-related activity, he would remain busy catching up on all of his school work. The Russell native excelled as he continues his high school studies while playing in the WHL.
Juggling school work with an extremely busy hockey schedule isn't an easy task for many, but Thompson was able to adapt nicely. Ryder has always been excellent in the classroom and he prides himself on getting high marks and learning as much as he can.
And thanks to his focus in the classroom, he's been named one of the Winterhawks' Scholastic Player of the Year. The award is given to those players who excel on the ice and in the classroom, which Ryder and his teammate, Mason Mannek achieved.
"It feels really good to win this, I think it was something that was always in the back of my mind," said Thompson. "I took a lot of pride in what I was doing in the classroom this year and I'm glad it paid off."
Ryder played 14 games this season for a Winterhawks team that finished second in the U.S. Division with their 13-8-3 record. The young man that was drafted 105th overall in the 2019 WHL draft had one assist
"It was great getting to play those 14 games with them this year, it was a learning experience," said Thompson. "I was able to learn a lot and hopefully, I can jump right into things during my 17-year-old year."
As he trains for camp in the fall, Ryder says his goal is to make more of an impact and become an everyday player. Playing in somewhat of a limited role this past season, Ryder was able to impress the coaching staff on many occasions and he's looking forward to continuing to do the same with a bigger role next season. Portland is one season removed from winning the league's regular-season title, as they went 45-11-3-4 in the 2019-20 campaign.
"I need and want to do more, I don't want to be scared out there," said Thompson. "As I'm learning next year, I want to be more of a threat. I shouldn't have to rely on my teammates all the time, I should be creating things for them."
Prior to his 14 games with Portland, Thompson started the season with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, where he had three assists in eight games, playing alongside Tyson Zimmer who is also from Russell. Zimmer played the WHL season with the Wheat Kings, a team that drafted him sixth overall in 2019.
