It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come June. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman, and Right Wingers? These are some very valid questions that people have.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Head Scout Chris Pryor, and the drafting guru in Ron Hextall for overall success during the draft. Gone are those days, as this year the Flyers have a new General in charge of the draft, newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher. With that being said, there’s a Center/Wing that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the first round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Ryan Suzuki. Suzuki has all the skills to be a Flyer, “My hockey IQ is my strongest point of my game,” Suzuki says, “I can read off any player. I can bring play making, and Offensive capabilities.”
Suzuki was born on May 28, 2001, in London, ON, CAN (AKA the motherland of hockey). This native of Canada found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact he started skating when he was just 2-3 years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Barrie Colts in the 2017-18 season. At the young age of 16, he registered 14 goals, and 30 assists for a total of 44 points in 64 games played. After a decent season with the Colts, just who is this young prospect? “I love chicken and mashed potatoes (laughing).”
“I can bring Offense, and I’m responsible in my own end. With my skating and hands I can find open lanes for big shooters. I’m a pass first kind of guy, with I can pair that with my Offensive capabilities.”
The young prospect in Suzuki continued, “Honestly, when I was little I didn’t think about playing in the NHL. It was my dream, but I didn’t think it would be possible. Growing up I would always watch the London Knights, so my first goal was to make the OHL. My brother got drafted into the OHL, and then I got drafted into the OHL. It was pretty cool.”
This 17-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2018-19 season. For the season, he has registered 23 goals, and 48 assists for a total of 71 points in 61 games played. Suzuki showed determination and grit to improve his game, as he leaned on his parents and brother for advice like always.
His brother shares quite a unique story. Nick Suzuki was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Well, Ryan Suzuki wants to get drafted higher than him, as they seem to have a little competition brewing between each other.
“It’s more of a mutual competition between my brother and I. It doesn’t add any pressure. He’s always been supportive of me with my career, and he’s more help than any pressure. My goal is to get drafted higher than him (Laughing). He’s always there to help me.”
Suzuki entered the 2018-19 season determined to be a leader on and off the ice. He has faced some unique challenges in the past, but Suzuki wanted to conquer all the odds and be the player he knew he could be.
This young prospect from London has transformed the Colts offense into a powerhouse in just his second season for them. It shows just how good Suzuki really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL. Suzuki can thank his skating for his success for sure, “When I was in Grade 8. I was able to to go Blyth Academy in London. We were on the ice 4 days a week, and the gym 5 days a week. They really stressed on skating and strengthening your stride. In today’s game skating is a big part, so that’s what I’m focusing on.”
The Colts product, Suzuki just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons for the Colts, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and blazing speed. He has a lethal wrist shot, to go with his good vision of the ice. Moreover, Suzuki is out to prove that he can do this when given the chance. Maybe his pre-game rituals have helped him have a successful hockey career thus far, or his favorite childhood players?
“I write notes into my phone before the game on what I should do during the game. I also watched John Tavares play in London and Sidney Crosby. Both are very good players. They make guys around them better.”
Suzuki continues, “My dad was the first one that put me on skates. I was kind of just walking around. My older brother was 4 at the time. He was kind of just skating, pushing me around. Nick has always been on my journey. When I was little I watched all of his games and stuff. Him and my father were always big on that. My mom has always been there to support us, even though she doesn’t know much about hockey (Laughing).”
Hopefully, Suzuki continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and Suzuki can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future. As Suzuki completes the interview, he wanted to say one last thing to Flyers fans:
“Whereever I end up getting drafted it’s been my dream since I was kid to make it to the NHL. I’m willing to put in the work, and I’m going to do everything to make the team better. I plan on making it true.”
