Ryan Cameron (G, L, 6’1″, 175, Lone Star Brahmas, 08/21/2007, Boston College)
Ryan Cameron is a 6’1”, 170-pound left-catching goaltender who played the 2024/25 season with the Lone Star Brahmas in the NAHL and represented the United States at both the U17 NTDP and 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. In 28 starts with Lone Star, Cameron posted elite numbers: a 1.24 GAA, .948 SV%, and 9 shutouts — all while averaging 9 high-danger saves per game and a .830 save percentage on scoring-area shots. His workload was managed well, and he was not overexposed, averaging 2.3 saves above expected per game.
Why Cameron Should Be Drafted
Elite Statistical Profile in Junior Hockey Cameron led all NAHL goaltenders in both save percentage (.948) and shutouts (9), while conceding just 1.24 goals per game across 28 appearances. His ability to limit rebounds and control second chances was evident — he plays square, seals his edges well, and rarely overcommits.
Athleticism, Poise, and Edge Work Cameron’s footwork and edge control allow him to play a controlled butterfly style while still reacting with athleticism when plays break down. He tracks well through traffic and displays a calm, efficient up-down motion in scramble situations. His ability to make lateral stops while keeping his body upright — particularly evident during the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament — gives him strong NHL tools.
Reads and Recovery Mechanics He consistently arrives early to his spots and plays with good visual discipline. Cameron reads shot releases well, covers the bottom of the net effectively, and makes controlled first movements without over-sliding or over committing. His post integration is sharp and he shows good control sealing short side looks on low-angle plays.
Composure Beyond His Years Despite being a young goalie in a physical junior league, Cameron plays with the calmness of a seasoned veteran. He rarely overplays pucks or gets caught scrambling, and teammates clearly trust his ability to manage traffic. His presence is steady, and his ability to “take the air out of a game” with key saves is notable.
Why Cameron May Not Be Drafted
Size Ceiling vs. NHL Trends At 6’1”, Cameron is slightly undersized by modern NHL standards, where the average drafted goalie now measures closer to 6’3”. He will need to prove that his reflexes and anticipation can continue to compensate for less net coverage, particularly on elevated shots and net-front chaos where his frame offers less margin for error.
Limited Puck Handling Cameron’s ability to control the puck outside the crease remains underdeveloped. He struggles to stop rims cleanly, and his decision-making when playing the puck is tentative. As a result, teams can sustain pressure by rim-dumping pucks into his end, knowing he is unlikely to break the cycle with clean outlets. This is a developmental concern that will need focused improvement at the college level.
Inconsistent Performance at International Level While Cameron was solid at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, his raw numbers (.882 SV%, 10 goals against in 4 games) suggest he’s not yet capable of dominating top-tier competition. His U17 NTDP showing (.778 SV%) was particularly poor. While much of this can be attributed to shot quality and defensive breakdowns, it highlights that his performance versus elite shooters is still unproven.
Needs Physical Maturity and Strength Cameron’s lean frame leaves questions about long-term durability and how he’ll handle the physical grind of professional hockey. His ability to absorb contact in crease scrambles and retain rebound control under stress will be tested more aggressively at the collegiate and pro levels. Strength and weight gain will be critical over the next 2–3 years.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: NCAA fan favorite with NHL backup upside; long-term potential as a late-blooming No. 1 with strong collegiate development.
Development Track: Two seasons in the USHL or CHL, plus two full seasons at Boston College with emphasis on puck handling, post-play adjustments, and strength development; transition to AHL starter in draft +5 season.
Draft Range: 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Ryan Cameron is a technically sound, high-compete goaltender with a refined foundation and elite tier 2 junior production. While he lacks the size of a prototypical NHL goaltender, his structure, composure, and athleticism make him a worthy late-round investment. Continued growth in puck management and upper-body strength will be crucial for him to earn a pro contract following a strong NCAA career. He may go undrafted due to size concerns but profiles as a high-priority NCAA free agent if passed over in June.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images