Terry Ryan is someone you want to be around. He makes you smile. He makes you laugh. And he makes you feel good. I always enjoy my conversations with TR and I know you will enjoy this one.
Terry was a child prodigy when it came to hockey. He grew early, he understood the game, he could finish, and at 14 years old – he also found out he could fight.
Being a child star comes with a lot of pressures. Some just and some unjust, but you have to learn to navigate them either way and Terry discusses how he learned to manage and the steps his family took to provide the best opportunity for him.
Ryan went on to a WHL career that included a 50 goal season as a 17 year-old with the Tri-City Americans, which earned him an 8th overall selection to the Montreal Canadians in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
Along with a big signing bonus came big expectations and Terry was ready to tackle the NHL, but a change in management with the Canadians came with new bosses who didn’t see him in quite the same lens.
Terry ran into problems with his coach, Michel Therrien, in the AHL and he couldn’t find his way out of the doghouse. Terry ended up losing his identity as a goal scorer and began fighting more than his 50 goal hands should have been.
We reflect on Terry’s career. Some things he is proud of and some things he would have changed. But his journey has brought him to where he is today and he is proud of the man and the father he has become. That’s hockey, and that’s life. Keep learning and keep growing.
Thank you Terry for sharing your story. Enjoy the conversation.
If you want to reach out to Terry and get a personalized edition of his second book “Fights, Film, & Folklore” reach out on Instagram @terryryan2020