Ryder Ritchie. (submitted photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Logan Lehmann

Going National

Raiders’ Ritchie to represent Team Canada at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Jul 12, 2023 | 4:13 PM

Ryder Ritchie is heading back into the international spotlight.

Earlier this afternoon, it was announced Ritchie will head to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup later this month as a member of Team Canada. He is the first Prince Albert Raider since Nolan Allan in 2021 to be named to the team’s roster for the tournament.

“He’s put himself in a great position with his scoring and his impact on our team last year,” Raiders head coach Jeff Truitt said. “It doesn’t surprise me that he’s been recognized by Hockey Canada to join that team.”

The Calgary, Alta. product took home WHL Rookie of the Year honour’s last season, posting 20 goals and 35 assists in 61 games. The left winger also spent time donning the maple leaf last season when he played in the U17 World Hockey Championship in Langley and Delta, B.C. Ritchie potted four goals in six games during the tournament which includes a two-goal performance against Finland in his final game.

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“I think he’ll fit in real well,” Truitt continued. “The bigger ice surface over there will give him some more room to use his skill and his speed. He’s got such a great IQ for putting himself in great positions away from traffic to not only create plays but to also get his shot away and I think he’s going to do very well over there. The bigger ice may help him – sometimes it doesn’t help other players, but I think it’s going to really help him with his creativity.”

The tournament is set to begin in Břeclav, Czechia and Trenčín, Slovakia on July 31 with Canada kicking their tournament off against Finland at 7:30 a.m. CST. Canada will also square off with Slovakia and Switzerland before medals are handed out Aug. 5.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann