Ryan McNelis '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ryan McNelis and I am a six foot two 195lb power forward, who also can play a role as a stay at home defenseman if needed. My physical aggressive style of play is needed at any level of hockey. My size helps me protect the puck and make the right play. Dump and chase hockey is my favorite style of play because 9 out of 10 times I will win the race to the puck, or use my physical game play to win the battle if need be.

    Now as a defenseman I see the ice very well and can play the role as a quarterback on the point setting up chances. I can also play in the defensive zone as a stay at home protect the house D. I block shots, take the body, and clear out in front of the net. My shot is not one of my strong suites, but it is enough to create a chance if let loose from the point.

    Last year I played for the Palm Beach Hawks in the USPHL south division. I signed a contract allowing me to play either for the USPHL-Empire team, or the USPHL- Elite team. Obviously, Elite being the better team. I started last season off on the USPHL-Empire team as a defenseman for about 1/3 of the season. Then got called up to the Elite team where they used me as a Power forward. Once called up to the elite team getting sent back down was not going to happen by the performance I gave every single game to help my team. When playoffs came around I had worked my way up to the starting line-up, and that is how it stayed throughout playoffs!

    This year I will be playing for the Islanders Hockey Club in the USPHL-Elite North division for Tim Kyrkostas. I moved up north to IHC to follow and play for coach Tim again. Tim had coach the Hawks the year before and moved to coach IHC. This year I will be playing forward again, and wearing the number 22! Go IHC!!