| Ryan Chesley | NTDP U18 | USHL | R | D | 6’0″ | 185 | Minnesota | 2022 | Dellwood, MN | 2004 | 2021-2022: B |
USHL: U18 USNTDP vs Chicago Steel, October 29, 2021: In the 3-1 loss to the Steel Chesley earned 9:37 in total ice time, including 1:26 while shorthanded before being thrown out of the game for head contact. I’m not going to lie and pretend this is a horrible thing because NHL scouts will view this as a positive. Before the ejection Chesley continued to build on his growing reputation as a hard nosed two-way defenseman with professional upside. He’s strong on pucks, wins net front battles and his consistently flat one-touch passes are easy to handle.
U18: USNTDP vs Cornell, October 23, 2021: In the 4-2 loss to Cornell Chesley earned 18:05 in total ice time, including 4:02 while on the power play and 2:42 while short handed. Statistically he finished with zero points, an even plus/minus rating, 1 shot on the power play, an additional shot was blocked, 4 penalty minutes, 3 hits and 6 giveaways versus a game high 13 takeaways.
USHL: Weekend #4, October 27, 2021: One of the best parts of Chesley’s game is his patience with the puck in both scoring areas and in the neutral zone. He doesn’t hit any panic buttons, instead he has the presence of mind to wait until things open up, and also has the skill to keep the puck on his stick. His energy level is always high and plays the game with grit regardless if they’re playing another USHL team or a college level team. I think this level of competitiveness will help him excel at the next level. Grade: A-
USHL: U18 USNTDP vs Sioux City Musketeers, September 25, 2021: In the 4-2 Team USA win Chesley earned 15:51 in total ice time, including 1:47 while on the power play and 0:42 while short handed. Statistically he had 1 assist, was plus 3, with 3 shots on goal (2PP), 1 grade “A” scoring chance, 2 additional shots were blocked, 1 minor penalty, 2 hits and 3 giveaways versus a game high 8 takeaways (teammate Powell had 8 as well). Defensively the right shot Chesley looked very comfortable playing the left side. He pinched off line rushes early and was very strong through contact. We loved the strength of his stick and his ability to win 50/50s with one hand on his stick. Offensively he made a few poor pass in neutral zone transition trying to hit the stretch man that still resulted in Team USA soft chips rather than turnovers. We also noted a tendency to carry the puck to the middle and push his pass to the center support rather snapping an early pass that would hit the forward in stride. On the power play he played the left side mid-wall and he looked very comfortable shooting one-timers.
U18 World Championships: Team USA vs Team Finland, May 1, 2021: In the 5-4 Team USA win Chesley earned 10:19 in total ice time. He was not a factor in special teams play. Statistically he had zero points, was minus 1, with 1 shot on goal and 3 giveaways versus 7 takeaways. Another simple game that will translate easily to higher levels. His gaps were tight as he showed the lateral mobility to pinch off the Finnish forwards before the defensive blueline. We noted that his stick was always prepared and his one touch passes were easy to handle. He seemed to tire as the game progressed and we noticed him crossing over while pivoting. After being on the ice for Team Finland’s forth goal Chesley did not play the final 6:30 of the game.
U18 World Championships: Team USA vs Team Czech Republic, April 29, 2021: In the 2-1 Team USA win Chesley earned 13:11 in total ice time. He was not a factor in special teams play. Statistically he had zero points, was plus 1, with 2 shots on goal, 2 additional shots were blocked, 1 hit and 3 giveaways versus 4 takeaways. Chesley played a hard nosed two-way game showing excellent recognition while defending a line rush or containing the cycle. He boxed out early using his legs to drive the Czech forwards away from the shooting lane. Offensively he went with his first decision keeping his game consistent and easy.
USHL: Des Moines, Sioux Falls, NTDP 17, Chicago, November 28, 2020: Offensive defenseman that demands the puck. Does a great job at being the fourth man in and is dynamic enough to lead the rush. Is able to break the puck out on his own escaping from defenders quickly and has the vision to find his man. Grade: B+
USA U17 NTDP vs Soo Eagles. Two Games, October 15, 2020: Ryan has good size with elite skating stride and hands for a defenseman. He made a nice give and go at the blue line, took the puck down the middle as he dangled the defender and deked the goalie out as he used his long reach to put the puck in the net. He is a solid defender as he closes the gap as he reads the play and plays tight on his man and will finish his checks. He is a smart player who reads the play and will move the puck quickly and join the rush. Grade A
USA Hockey Select 15 Development Camp, August 24, 2019: He has a brain. Which seems obvious, but Ryan clearly thinks 2 or 3 plays in advance. He anticipated plays in the defensive zone and eliminated opportunities quickly & confidently. He is another defenseman who works to get open for his partner in the neutral zone & defensive zone, which allows for a quick simple transition game. Ryan has the skating ability to carry the puck end to end, but is smart enough to move the puck quickly to his forwards while they are still moving at top speeds. This allows him to join the rush & his quick release makes him dangerous as the 4th attacker. He has soft hands which allow him to walk the line confidently on the power play. Again, the power play allowed him to show his hockey sense. He did not force passes or “throw sauce” when it wasn’t needed. Ryan consistently made the easy play & the PP was better because of it. Grade: B+
U15: Minnesota CCM High Performance 2004’s, July 17, 2019: Chesley did an excellent job getting pucks through with a solid half slap shot. He has the ability to get the puck both on and off of his stick in a hurry with his head up. He can also carry the puck and protect it attacking on the wing, generating offense from the back end for his team. He made a play from below his goal line, flipped it up in the air and it dropped in front of a springing forward up the ice that wowed our scout. He’s an all around intelligent defenseman with a bright future. His game away from the puck could use improvement, which is not uncommon for an offensive defenseman.
U14: USA Hockey Nationals, April 30, 2019: This was the MN native’s second season on the U14 team and his experience showed. He has a nice frame at around 6’ and played a smart game. He made good decisions at the lines and moved pucks up ice. He is strong and long and can protect possession through contact. He played on the power play where most of the action happened down low. Ryan is not yet an elite pucks mover but he is an elite defender. Showed a smart stick, positioning and hit to defend. His gaps were excellent, he trusted his feet and started transition quickly. Played a smart, mature, poised game. Balanced player literally and figuratively. Lots of upside, especially up the ice.
STX 68 Combine, August 20, 2018: Speedy defenseman with a lot of jump and tempo to his game. Intercepted a lot of passes with his anticipation and jumping of the lanes, as well as his active stick in poke-checking and causing turnovers. Uses his speed and smarts to defend and does so very well. Excellent passer and handles the puck very well.
North American Hockey Classic, June 27, 2018: Ryan was the best defenseman in the tournament and has a very strong hockey IQ. He’s projecting to be a very good puck-moving defenseman with quick reads and anticipation. He was strong with his pinches and held the offensive blueline well. The 04 is a smooth skater and plays a solid two-way game. He’s aggressive in his own zone and can also chip in offensively. Ryan finished the tournament with 4 points and was very versatile, playing on both the PP and PK. Keep an eye on this prospect this coming winter. Grade: A
U14 Nationals, April 18, 2018: Played with a business-like approach. Took hits to make plays, remained active and aware away from the puck and made the simple, smart plays. Moved quickly to defend in his end and forced opponents away from his net. In the middle zone, he kept his gaps tight, used his stick to poke pucks and was able to hit in space. His outlets were sharp and he moved pucks quickly up ice. Carried when he had to carry and kept his head up. He anticipated plays very well. Played special teams and was counted on in all important situations by SSM. Smart player with a mature, poised approach. He has plenty of tools and used them all here. Skates well with mobility and balance. Can pass, handle and shoot the puck. Quality hockey player and only a 2004.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
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