RoughRiders’ Ritt on the right track E
By Matt Mackinder
van Ritt got a taste of the Tier II Junior A North American Hockey League (NAHL) last
month when he earned a call-up to the Topeka (Kan.) RoadRunners for a one-game exhibition. Next season, the forward figures to be in the
NAHL full-time after signing a tender with the Jamestown (N.Y.) Ironmen earlier this month. A tender is a contract, of sorts, announcing a player’s intention to play for a particular team in that particular league. Not too shabby for a kid who made the
jump from AA hockey to the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders’ 18U team just two short years ago. “Going from AA to AAA, it generally takes 60-
90 days before the player is fully adjusted to the speed and size,” said Rocky Mountain director of hockey operations and 18U coach Derek Robin- son. “Evan contributed right away and he was able to adjust very quickly and contributed in all phases of the game. “He’s worked extremely hard on his skating
and conditioning and it’s paid off for him.” Jamestown was one of three NAHL teams to
offer the Lakewood native a tender and, after meeting with all three at a Tier I Elite League showcase in Boston last month, Ritt chose the Ironmen. “I looked at all of my options and once I
talked to (Jamestown coach) Dan Daikawa, I pulled the trigger,” said Ritt. “He seems like a very honest guy and I felt very comfortable sign- ing with them.”
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at the next level,” Ritt said. “I know I’ll have to work hard to earn my spot and I’m a firm believ- er that hard work pays off.” Playing in his second season with the 18U
RoughRiders, Ritt is the team’s captain and has led by example from the moment he joined the organization from the Boulder Hockey Club. “Evan’s used to the pace of the game this year
and his decision-making skills have brought him to another level,” said Robinson. “He’s learned to be more patient and he’s really what the RoughRiders organization is all about. “He’s not all flash, but he works very hard at
his game and he leads on and off the ice for us. Evan’s a team-first player and is the type of kid you really want to cheer for.” Ritt said he’s been taught to put forth his best
effort ever since he was a kid. “I think my parents instilled my work ethic in
Evan Ritt’s seasoning with the RoughRiders’ 18U AAA team is bringing the hard-working forward plenty of deserved opportunities. Photo/Kevin Mallory
Other options outside the NAHL might also
present themselves. Ritt could also wind up playing high-level juniors in the United States Hockey League or British Columbia Hockey League. Whatever challenge awaits, Ritt plans to be
ready to answer the call. “In the offseason, I know I need to get bigger and put on some weight if I want to be successful
me at a young age,” he said. “I’ve always tried to do the best and be the best at whatever I do. I’ve just always been willing to put in the extra work without thinking twice about it. “Hard work is a recipe for success and it’s
always been the way I go about things.” With continued progress, college hockey could
also very well be in Ritt’s not-too-distant future, according to Robinson. “It’s a big step going D-I for anyone, but if he
keeps developing his skills and works hard off the ice, his intangibles, work ethic and willing- ness are going to help him reach that next step,” said Robinson. “He can make the jump if he’s willing to do it, and I believe he is.”
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