Ryker Lee: A Remarkable Transformation
Ryker Lee, once a noticeably small 14-year-old with a penchant for eye-catching stickhandling, has transformed remarkably over the years, earning him a prestigious spot as a first-round draft pick for the Nashville Predators. Adam Nightingale, his coach at Michigan State, fondly nicknamed him “The Wizard” due to his exceptional skill on the ice—a title that has stuck with him as he now leads a promising freshman class alongside fellow first-rounders Cayden Lindstrom and Porter Martone and second-rounder Eric Nilson.
World Junior Summer Showcase
This week, the group has gathered at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis for the World Junior Summer Showcase, where Lee has already made headlines by scoring two goals and providing an assist during the first game against Finland. He initiated the scoring with a deft give-and-go alongside James Hagens, another first-round prospect, and added a second goal later in the match before setting up a teammate for a late empty-net goal.
Coaching Insights and Development
Reflecting on Lee’s journey, his former coach at Shattuck St. Mary’s, Tom Ward, describes the past five years as transformative for Lee, who entered the program at only 5-foot-3 and weighing a mere 68 pounds. Ward recalls the challenge of developing a player who was “a bone rack” at the start. Since then, Lee has witnessed considerable growth in stature and skill. After a standout U18 year where he scored 45 goals and registered 99 points, Lee earned a spot on Team USA for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and drew attention as a prospective NHL talent.
Physical Development and NHL Prospects
As he entered his draft year, Lee’s physical development continued to impress; he grew to an impressive 5-foot-11.5 and took home the Rookie of the Year Award in the USHL for scoring 31 goals and totaling 68 points during his season with the Madison Capitols. Coaches anticipated big things at the NHL Scouting Combine, where he measured at 6 feet and 185 pounds, demonstrating his impressive physical maturation alongside his ongoing skills development.
Improving Skills and Competitive Nature
Despite the attention on his hands and stick skills—attributes that have garnered him praise as one of the best offensive players—Lee’s skating has been an area needing improvement. Initially deemed heavy-footed, he turned to skating coach Amy Claggett for assistance. Her training sessions focused on refining his stride and technique, fostering an improvement that became evident in his agility trials and overall performance.
Nightingale and his staff at Michigan State are excited about the strong addition that Lee represents, noting his dual focus on enhancing his game while maintaining his potent offensive capabilities. They emphasize how his competitive nature, something he has carried from his smaller stature, drives him to excel in new growth areas on and off the ice.
Future Aspirations
Now, as he aims to secure a spot on Team USA for the upcoming international competition, Lee is determined to showcase more than just his impressive puck-handling skills. He aims to prove his worth across all game situations, illustrating that he can outwork rivals consistently. With guidance from Michigan State’s strength coach, Will Morlock, and firsthand experiences from his time at the NHL level, Lee is positioning himself for a bright hockey future.
As his coaches and teammates reflect on their experiences with him, they highlight not only his skills but also his hardworking ethos and vibrant attitude at practice, marking him as one of the most exciting prospects to watch in the coming years.
