| Ryan MacPherson | Leamington Flyers | GOJHL | L | F | 6’0″ | 181 | New Hampshire | 2024 | Tecumseh, ON | 2005 | 2022-2023: C |
Why an NHL draft pick: He is an under the radar center with a high hockey IQ and excellent feet. He is averaging 19:33 in ice time per game with 3:35 coming on the power play and 2:18 coming while short handed. He keeps his feet moving in traffic and he draws penalties. He wins 61% of his face-offs and 56% of his shots hist the net.
Why not an NHL draft pick: He is an under radar player playing in an under the radar league and he’s winning 36% of his 50/50 puck battles.
MacPherson Tournament, February 7, 2023: Ryan is a smooth slick skilled centerman. He skates with quick feet good acceleration and speed and shiftiness in open ice. He has good edges which allow him to quickly turn with the puck. He likes to use his edges quick feet and slick hands to wheel around the offensive zone with the puck. He showed good speed shiftiness and quick stickhandling attacking on the 1-on-1 rush. He used these attributes to be a threat and make him difficult to line-up and defend 1-on-1. He was key on their 1st goal vs Northwood showing excellent puck possession and patience at the L flank and used a spinning behind the back pass to the top of the umbrella which facilitated some good movement eventually leading to a rebound goal. Grade: A-
Alliance Bantam Showcase, Essex, ONT, October 2, 2019: A smart center, MacPherson moves the puck quickly to his wingers in his own zone. He is slippery in the offensive zone, bouncing off checks while maintaining possession of the puck. He has a long skating stride that needs a bit of power to add more speed to his game. Grade B