The former VSV bomber Derek Ryan has ended his career! The American, who, as an impossible striker, received little attention in North America for a long time, used his years at the EC VSV in EBEL as a springboard to an international career that led him to the NHL.
In 2011, Ryan moved to Hungary to Fehérvár, where he immediately noticed as a playmaker and reliable scorer. His view for teammates and his overview in the power play quickly made him one of the team’s formative characters.
However, he experienced the decisive breakthrough at the EC VSV in Villach. Between 2011 and 2014 he developed into one of the best centers in the league. With his game intelligence, his consistency at the bullyp point and his tireless work attitude, he became a favorite of the public. In Villach, he matured into a complete player who took on defensive responsibility and set accents on the offensive. His achievements in the EBEL finally opened the door to the Swedish SHL – and from there to the NHL.
Ryan succeeded in North America, which only a few succeeded: As a late starter, he won a regular place in the best league in the world at the age of almost 30. He played over 600 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames and most recently the Edmonton Oilers. He did not profile himself as a spectacular scorer, but as a reliable two-way striker, who was in demand in the outnumbered game, in the Facoffs and in crucial game situations.
It was precisely these qualities that made him an esteemed role player, whose importance for his teams was often greater than statistics to reveal alone. Last season Ryan was degraded into the AHL. Now he ends his impressive career at the age of 38.
