Saturday, January 09, 2010

Michael Ryder's Struggles Explained!

Michael Ryder for all his talent, great shot and best release in the NHL is struggling to find the back of the net so far this season. He has only 10 goals so far this season.

I will try to explain a reason for some of his problems - family. Michael is a brother to a younger more talented hockey player named Daniel. Daniel had the hockey world by the balls and was destined to be superstar,

"Ryder was considered a top prospect and pure goal scorer. When he turned pro in 2007-08 with the AHL's Quad City Flames, after signing a three-year entry level contract that called for a $225,000 signing bonus, Ryder walked out on the team after just six games and was subsequently suspended by Calgary. Last season, Ryder started with the AHL Flames and had nine points through 19 games before being optioned to Las Vegas of the ECHL. That lasted four games. Loaned to the Boston organization, Ryder closed out the season by appearing in 20 games for the AHL's Providence (R.I.) Bruins."

"Ryder is a former 80-point scorer in junior hockey and Wayne Gretzky 99 Award winner as OHL playoff MVP. A first-round OHL draft pick, he was a star on the Peterborough Petes and went on to become one of the top-10 scorers in the franchise's history."

Daniel had a tryout with the Bruins farm team but was let go because of excessive drinking and drug use when on a no substance or alcohol total ban.

For big brother Michael this has to be on his mind. As great as a bond with your team is, there is no greater tie than that of family. This has to be on his mind. I know that if I am having family problems I find it hard to concentrate at work and I don't have to make decisions in 1/1000th of a second like Michael. No wonder he is slumping a bit.

The best thing for Michael is not to sit out or be moved back on a lesser line as this will destroy his shaky confidence all together - he has to keep playing hard and work through it. Hopefully playing the game gives his mind a rest from his brother's problems for a short period of time.

I watch the games and I see Michael working harder than ever - this is a good sign and when his head is clear he will return to a 25-30 goal scorer - don't give up on him yet; his release and shot are to good to be denied much longer.

As for the moment I am giving Michael a free pass on his play (I don't remember a situation ever where I thought this) and I am praying that this latest set back by Daniel is a wake up call - his hockey career may be over before it began but he still has a full life left to live.

Best of luck to the Ryder brothers during this time.

Go Bruins and Ryders Go!!!

2 Comments:

Blogger number4bobbyorr said...

Interesting post. I didn't know about the younger Ryder. Although these guys are supposed to be professionals, they are after all human.

I have little doubt that the nasty, dangerous surgery that Timmy's father underwent this summer had something to do with his (minor and short) lapse in concentration to start this season.

1:05 p.m., January 15, 2010  
Blogger jimbuff said...

Yes, professionals or not you can not just shut family out of your mind. Family is blood and life and hockey after all (for as much as I live and breathe it) is still just a game played by young men for their enjoyment and for our entertainment.

8:36 a.m., January 16, 2010  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Top Hockey Related Websites