Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – With two seasons of U SPORTS experience under his belt, Liam Ryan will bring a veteran perspective to the Griffins this season after transferring from Carleton University.

The latest recruit of the MacEwan men's hockey team was on the Ravens' roster in 2021-22 and 2022-23, although an injury kept him out of the lineup last season, meaning he's entering his second year of eligibility with the Griffins.

"It's always good to have someone come in from other programs because they can bring the positive experience there and maybe help us with something we're missing," said Griffins men's hockey head coach Zack Dailey. "Different perspectives are never a bad thing."

The Griffins have had plenty of success from transfers in recent seasons and Dailey expects Ryan will also make an impact.

"He has U SPORTS experience, which is great," he said of the 6-foot-2 Ryan, who logged 11 games for Carleton as a rookie in 2021-22. "He's a pretty big body and is a 200-foot player, so he has tons of upside, for sure. He's responsible defensively and can play multiple positions – right wing and centre.

"He's healthy, ready to go and he's excited for an opportunity."

Ryan's connection to MacEwan is through good friend and fellow Vancouver-area product Hunter Donohoe, who has played the past two seasons for the Griffins. The pair played against each other in the BCHL in 2019-20 and 2020-21 with Ryan suiting up for Nanaimo against Donohoe's Vernon Vipers.

Ryan also played for the Surrey Eagles in 2018-19 and previously logged 40 games over two seasons (mostly in 2017-18) in the Western Hockey League with Prince George.

"One of the things is we look for good people," said Dailey. "Is he going to fit in with what we're doing, is he going to work hard and be a good teammate? He checks all those boxes for us. 

"We're definitely excited to get someone who can play in every situation, has some experience and is going to be a leader for us."