A Denver native and former standout defenseman, Ryan brings a highly unique background to the bench, combining elite hockey experience with a successful career as a licensed architect. Ryan played junior hockey in the NAHL, AJHL, and EJHL—where he was an all-star and team captain—before playing for Middlebury College and reaching the NCAA National Championship game. After an injury forced an early retirement, he served as an assistant coach at Middlebury before stepping away to run his own architecture firm and design international projects for eight years.

Returning to hockey full-time, Ryan rapidly ascended the coaching ranks, with stops in professional hockey (SPHL/FPHL) and Tier 1 youth development with the Queen City Royals. Most recently, as an assistant coach for the NAHL’s Amarillo Wranglers, he helped spark a dramatic mid-season turnaround, guiding a sub-.500 team to a strong 11-8 finish. Along his journey, Ryan has been mentored by elite hockey minds, including NHL Skills Coach Angelo Ricci, Blackhawks Scouting Director Mike Doneghey, and legendary NCAA coach Bill Beaney.