Ryan McCleary, who had a three-game cup of coffee with the Yorkton Hyundai Terriers in the 2020-’21 season, has been drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the recent National Hockey League draft.
The Penguins selected McCleary, who hails from Swift Current 194th overall.
“I was watching on my television,” McCleary told Yorkton This Week. “One of my teammates went right before me and I was texting him.”
When his name was called McCleary said there was lots of hugging from family.
“It was a special moment for sure,” he said.
McCleary said he wasn’t sure who might select him, but he’s more than happy it was the Penguins.
“A lot of teams talked to me throughout the whole process,” he said.
But, it was the Pens he was hoping for.
“As a kid they were my favourite team growing up. I was a huge Sydney Crosby fan,” said the 17-year-old.
And now he will be attending camp with his idol, and maybe even getting some time on the ice at the same time.
“That would be something unreal,” he said.
Since the draft McCleary said he has had a quick conversation with Pittsburgh general manager Ron Hextall, and to a couple of the team’s development staff.
Now McCleary waits for the new season to start, and a trip to the Penguins rookie camp.
Since he is just turning 18, McCleary said he recognizes he won’t be with the big team in the fall, adding camp will be about developing and being ready to return to Junior.
A defenceman, McCleary spent most of last season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. In 18 games, McCleary had seven points (two goals, five assists).
McCleary said he sees himself as a D-man “who is reliable in my own end,” but still able “to move the puck up ice quick and contribute offensively.”
Looking to the next WHL season McCleary said he knows he needs to continue to develop his game in his own zone, adding he’d like to add some pounds to be able to move opponents more easily.
The right-handed McCleary, 17, is listed as 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds.
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