| Ryan Winterton | Whitby Wildcats U15 | OMHA-ETA | R | F | 6’2″ | 190 | Hamilton Bulldogs | 2019 | Markham, ON | 2003 | 2020-2021: B+ |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, June 2021: Ryan was a hard working honest right wing at the 18s. He played in straight lines, was a steady force below the offensive goal line and finished opponents with a purpose. To me his play or attitude showed his commitment to winning and putting the team first. He still had four points in the seven games, but it was his reliability on his side of the red line that was most notable. In professional hockey he’s going to have to continue building on being true 200 foot power forward because he has the frame and stride to be a physical force down low. We saw a nice glimpse of his determination and strength on his goal versus Czech where he simply wanted the puck more than the net front defender. Ryan also showed his ability to shoot in stride when playing versus Sweden in the preliminary round when after picking up a bouncing puck in the high slot he ripped a snapper low blocker.
OHL Gold Cup, May 2019: Winterton is a reliable centerman who works hard at playing a two-way game while producing offensively and setting up his wingers around the net. In our view among the top 200 foot centerman in Ontario all season and no change in the Gold Cup. Winterton played head to head vs some of the top centers in the province and showed the ability to make plays in all 3 zones. Winterton will need to continue to work on the offensive side of the game – hockey IQ, vision, and speed need to be a focus of his at the next level. OHL Team: Hamilton Bulldogs – 1st Round, 8th Overall Grade: B+
OHL Draft Top 40 Movers after OHL Cup, March 2019: Winterton is a hard working forward who works hard at both ends of the rink. As the season progressed we noticed an improved skating stride and increased offensive development and with timely goals in tight games. He was dominant offensively in the OMHA championships (averaging nearly 3 points per game) and matched up very well vs elite centerman in the OHL Cup.
2018 Minor Midget International Silver Stick, December 2018: Winterton is strong on the puck and sees the ice well, distributing the puck to his wingers when they are open. He wins more faceoffs than he loses and uses his strength to quickly gain possession. With some added foot speed he will be a threat to beat defenders on the rush to the outside. He is a reliable centerman who works hard at playing a two-way game while producing offensively and setting up his wingers around the net.
U15/U16: Battle of the Border, December 2018: Winterton is strong on the puck and sees the ice well, distributing the puck to his wingers when they are open. He wins more face-offs than he loses and uses his strength to quickly gain possession. With some added foot-speed he will be a threat to beat defenders on the rush to the outside.
Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament. November 2018: Winterton a solid two way centerman who dominated games offensively in spurts. Winterton possesses many assets such as his size, good puck-handling abilities, and a quick shot in tight areas. He provides a reliable option in the faceoff circles and plays the game with a high level of intensity. He uses his strength against opposing D down low and keeps his feet moving.
Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 2018: Winterton is a solid two forward who has the ability to dominate games offensively. Winterton showed a strong net presence and played a gritty 3 zone game. We liked his compete and the use of his size to win pucks in the O-zone and to start transition out of the D-zone. Winterton showed solid skating and ability to use a decent sized frame to drive well to the net. Winterton checks a lot of boxes for us as gritty, competitive, scoring centerman.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images