Byron Ritchie quickly sent a message to his former teammate, Jarome Iginla, asking for advice on how to help his son Ryder, who was struggling with scoring goals. The two former NHL players shared a bond that extended beyond the ice, as they both made their offseason homes in the Okanagan, British Columbia. Both Ritchie and Iginla had sons born a day apart in August 2006, and now, 17 years later, Ryder and Tij are top prospects heading into the NHL Draft.
Jarome Iginla, who now coaches the U18 team at RINK Hockey Academy, offered some valuable advice to Ryder when he noticed the pressure he was putting on himself to score. Iginla encouraged Ryder to take a break from hockey and do something to relax his mind. This patient and thoughtful approach to coaching young players is a testament to Iginla’s commitment to helping develop the next generation of athletes.
After retiring from his Hall of Fame playing career, Iginla settled in Boston with his family, where he continued to coach his children and other young players. However, the lure of moving back to Western Canada to enroll his children in the Western Canadian Academy system was too strong to resist. Working alongside his former teammate, Byron Ritchie, Iginla found joy in coaching young players and sharing his knowledge of the game.
The bond between Iginla and Ritchie goes beyond their own children, as they work together to develop some of the most promising young players at RINK Hockey Academy. Their innovative approach to skills development, including the use of small-area games and constant communication about the game’s evolution, has had a positive impact on the young athletes under their guidance.
As the NHL Draft approaches, both Ryder and Tij are preparing for the next chapter in their hockey careers. While the draft represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, it also marks the beginning of a new journey for these young players and their families. With the support and guidance of experienced mentors like Iginla and Ritchie, the future looks bright for these aspiring athletes.