Yaks defenceman Michael Ryan receives AJHL Rookie of the Week

A Bonnyville Pontiac newcomer has received a weekly accolade from the league.

The AJHL announced that first year defenceman Michael Ryan is the AJHL Rookie of the Week.

Ryan put up five assists in just two appearances last week against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Camrose Kodiaks, including just against the MOB.

The Chicago, Illinois native is the league-leader in rookie points and tied for the team lead in points with six.

Coach Mario Pouliot said before Friday’s game that he likes a lot of tools that Ryan has in his game, and has rebounded after a uneven camp.

“I really like the way Ryan plays the game. Before the training game, Chad [Nelson] told me he might be able to run our powerplay and he had a really good slow start at the training camp. He was not looking very confident, he wasn’t taking the charge of the offensive side when he had the chance,” Pouliot said on B&R Eckels Pontiacs hockey on Lakeland Connect.

“Honestly, he’s very confident, he’s very poised with the puck, he’s very deceptive with the puck. He always makes a move before doing his action. I like his compete level…we know he’s going to make a mistake here and there, but I told him I want to see him competing very hard.”

Overall, the Pontiacs have a fine challenge tonight at the AJHL Showcase.

It’s a battle against the Blackfalds Bulldogs today and then against the Drayton Valley Thunder on Thursday evening.

Puckdrop is 8:00pm on lakelandconnect.net/pontiacs and lakelandconnect.mixlr.com.