Ryan Straschnitzki
April 20, 1999
Hometown: Airdrie, AB
#10
Position: Defence
Ryan was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 20, 1999. He is the first-born child of Michelle and Tom Straschnitzki.
He started his life on skates at the age of four, with Learn to Skate, protesting all the way. Eventually, he grew a love for the ice, and played throughout Timbits to Pee-Wee in Symons Valley in Calgary.
During the summer prior to his second year of Pee-Wee, the family moved north to the bedroom community of Airdrie, Alberta; where he played Pee-Wee AA to Minor Midget AAA. For his second year of Midget, he headed north as a 16-year-old to play with the Leduc Oil Kings AAA club. During that first year of Midget AAA, with Leduc, he was also an affiliated player with the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) for two games.
It was in his second year of Midget AAA, with Leduc, that the team went to the TELUS Cup, after winning the Pacific Championship Banner. In the TELUS Cup, Ryan was named MVP for game 2 in their quest for the Cup. This was also when he caught the eye of Darcy Haugen, of the Humboldt Broncos (SJHL), and the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL). Ryan was more interested in pursuing an NCAA path.
After the TELUS Cup run, he was offered a tryout with both the Broncos, and the Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL). Despite Darcy’s efforts, Ryan thanked him but chose to go to the Wolverines because it was in Alberta.
He made a good impression on Whitecourt and made the team. He played for them for 3 games. However, Darcy had other plans. He wanted Ryan on his team. He persuaded the Wolverines to trade Ryan in order to complete a previous 3-way trade deal with Humboldt and acquired Ryan in the deal.
In his first year in a Broncos uniform, under the careful tutelage of Darcy, Chris Beaudry and Mark Cross, Ryan made the SJHL/MJHL All-Star Showcase.
Since April 6th, 2018, Ryan has maintained his resiliency and hard work to continue his progress both on and off the ice. While he is paralyzed from this tragic accident, he continues to amaze everyone with his progress and positive attitude.
He is currently working hard on achieving his goal of becoming a Sledge Hockey Player. He has been carefully mentored by his coach, Chris Cederstrand.
In late 2018, Ryan was named one of the 20 most inspiring and compelling Calgarians for 2018.
Ryan lives with his parents, his twin siblings, Jaden & Jett, and younger brother, Connor, in Airdrie.