The U11AA Flanborough Sabres had a special guest for their last practice before Christmas - FHA alumni Ryder Carey.
It has been a banner year for Ryder who won the U16AAA OHF chanpionships with the Oakville Rangers, and then was drafted 16th overall in the OHL draft to the North Bay Battalion, making the squad as a rookie.
Coach Darryl got to know Ryder as an assistant on his U11AAA Hamilton Bulldogs team back in 2018/19 and thought he was the perfect person to invite to their last practice of the year. "I remember how much I looked up to OHL players as a young boy and I had the good fortune of being on the ice with many of them at summer hockey camps. I wanted my players to have that same experience, and I believe it is even more inspiring for them given that Ryder is a local kid who came through the FHA."
After fielding some questions from the boys, Ryder demonstrated his blistering shooting technique and excellent edge work before joining in a mini skills competition. After dropping the gloves with half the team, the practice ended with a 3 on 3 scrimmage, followed by Ryder hanging with the boys in the dressing room signing autographs. The U11AA team is extremely grateful to Ryder for taking the time out of his busy schedule to spend a couple of hours serving as an amazing example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. We wish him all the best in the remainder of his season in North Bay.
