Interview With San Diego Gulls Nick Ritchie
- Updated: February 8, 2016
“Power Forward” – definition (according to Wikipedia), : “A loosely applied characterization of a forward who is big and strong, equally capable of playing physically or scoring goals and would most likely have high totals in both points and penalties. It is usually used in reference to a forward who is physically large, with the toughness to dig the puck out of the corners, possesses offensive instincts, has mobility, puck-handling skills, may be difficult to knock off the puck or to push away from the front of the goal and willingly engage in fights when he feels it’s required.” Examples of a “power forward” – Mark Messier, John LeClair, Brendan Shanahan and Milan Lucic.
Now it isn’t fair to compare a 20 year rookie of the NHL to some of the legendary power forwards of the past and present but the 2014 10th overall draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Nick Ritchie sure does fit the “Power Forward” description. At 6’2’ and 226 pounds, and with a smooth puck handling skill set and a nose for putting the puck in the net, Ritchie has already impressed many with his growing potential.
Born in 1995 in Orangeville, ON, Ritchie dominated the junior hockey scene when playing for the Peterborough Petes and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Ritchie also contributed to an all-star Team Canada team (that included Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Arizona’s Max Domi and Anthony Duclair as well as Ottawa’s Curtis Lazar) that steamrolled every opponent straight to the 2015 World Junior Championship Gold Medal. Canada’s first Gold Medal in 6 years.
After a short try out with the Ducks this season, Ritchie returned to the American Hockey League to play with the Ducks’ affiliate San Diego Gulls. With 28 points in 32 games, Ritchie (along with teammate Brandon Montour) was rewarded after being chosen to become an All-Star for the Pacific Division team at the annual AHL All-Star Classic and he did not disappoint. Finding chemistry with rival Sean Backman of the Ontario Reign, Ritchie scored 2 goals (one a breakaway) and an assist while displaying complete control of the puck, as if daring his opponents to take if from him.
After the All-Star challenge and weekend had completed, my colleague Ryan Cowley and I were fortunate enough to briefly talk to the Ducks’ prospect right before he left the arena and got into the awaiting team bus to take him back to the airport.
Mr. Ritchie, you’ve played 11 games this year for the Anaheim Ducks so far. How do you feel that experience has impacted your overall game?
Yeah, it was obviously a great experience to play out there. It gives you confidence coming back down to the American League and you keep having confidence and go from there.
(www.zimbio.com)
You were a World Junior gold-medalist for Team Canada. What was your favorite moment or memory from that event?
There was definitely a lot of them. Being in Canada, that was obviously special. I think the whole process was a great experience knowing we’d been together for about a month and getting the opportunity, it was great to see the work pay off. So, I don’t think there was one particular thing.
Who was your favorite player of all-time?
When I was younger, I always liked [Alexander] Ovechkin.
Only time will tell if Nick Ritchie will reach the upper echelon of the NHL and reach the heights that some legendary power forwards have achieved but as of right now, the odds sure do look good. With his incredible potential and growing resume, Nick Ritchie is one to closely watch.
*Special thanks to Nick Ritchie, AHL Vice-President Jason Chaimovitch, Mike Walters, Sean Stone and Ryan Cowley of MakeWayForTheKings.net for their help with this article and yes for the record, Ritchie saying his favorite player when he was younger was Alexander Ovechkin did make Ryan and I feel old! (Man, time flies!)
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