Checking Out Ryan O'Byrne
The following article featuring former Cornell standout Ryan O'Byrne appeared January 19 on the Mile High Hockey Web site.
Ryan O’Byrne, the 6’5" 234-pound defenseman, has already made a huge impact with the Colorado Avalanche. In his first game, he led the team in TOI (24:51) and hits (6) and tied for lead in shots on goal (3) and blocked shots (4). To say the least, he made an immediate impression. However, many recently-traded players – especially those who had found themselves out of favor with their previous coaches – play over their heads for their new team for a while and then settle back into mediocrity when they get comfortable. Fortunately for the Avs, O’Byrne hasn’t done that. Per game, he is averaging 20:18 minutes, 3 hits, and 2 blocked shots, and he’s a +13. He’s secured himself a spot on the penalty kill and has remained on the top defensive pairing since that first game. Just as others before him, O’Byrne has rejuvenated his career in Colorado, becoming a refreshing and reliable piece of a struggling defensive corps.
O’Byrne started his amateur career while attending St. Michaels University, a private school in British Columbia. He played in the juniors for two years with the BCHL’s Victoria Salsa and Nanaimo Clippers. The Canadian native chose to forego a career in the CHL in favor of attending Cornell University in the United States. As an 18-year-old, O’Byrne was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (79th overall) due in large part to his size and potential for being a shut-down defenseman.
