Okotoks Oilers defenceman Ryder de Nys is back with the Green and Gold for another season after getting his first taste of Okotoks Junior A hockey in the 2022-2023 season.
The offensive defenceman for the Oilers has seen it all since he first started with the Oilers during their last full AJHL season, and is a mainstay of the backend for the Oil for their first full season in the BCHL.
"It's a lot different, obviously new towns and new places to go now. We have seen a lot of different things happen with referees, a lot of uncertainty, and different competition. Even as far as our team goes, a lot of the composition has changed now that we are in the BCHL. Being more competitive we need to bring in guys that are ready to compete now. A lot more American or import-type players, that was a little different than before," de Nys explained.
Despite the changes in the last year, de Nys feels that the culture of being an Okotoks Oiler hasn't changed and even gave credit to the new players for their merit on and off the ice.
That goes both for rookies who have joined veterans from other teams who have been brought into the fold.
"It hasn't been too difficult, obviously bringing them into the culture here and what it means to be an Oiler is a little bit of a process. But, I think for the most part it's been good and everyone has gelled pretty quickly. I think a lot of that starts with the coaching staff with Deis and what they created when he first took over the team. But then that also starts to fall down on the players to continue the traditions that have been set by the people that have been here before you. I think that is a big part of it as well," he said.
The team's culture is a big contributing factor to de Nys' pride in being involved with the organization.
"It's a little bit cliche but it's definitely a top-tier place to play. The town is a great town, great people here, close proximity to Calgary, we have an unbelievable facility here, and we get great fans every home game, like I said the culture here is one that likes to win and likes to move people on to the next level. Those are the biggest things for me," de Nys explained.
With his family having moved to Vernon, B.C. six years ago, the team's move to the BCHL has given them more opportunities to see Ryder do what he does best.
Having grown up in Canmore, de Nys always had a window into junior hockey and always made sure to attend games as a fan.
"I played a bunch of different sports in the mountains, biking, skiing, you name it I probably did it. Great competitive culture there, I think that is why you see a lot of successful, not only athletes but just people who come out of that town. Jacob Bernard-Docker (former Okotoks Oiler and current Ottawa Senator) is from there. I think it's just in the culture there, people grow up outside and they grow up competing against each other," he mentioned.
Travelling for games was always the norm for de Nys, and led to him meeting his current teammate Hunter Sawka while playing with the Bow Valley Timberwolves in Cochrane at age 10.
He's grateful to his parents Eric and Sarah for giving him his start in the sport.
"I think the biggest thing is to be grateful for all the hours and all those long trips that they sacrificed for myself. I think you grow more person as a person that way and just appreciate that," he added.
His parents made the trip down to Okotoks from Vernon to watch the Oilers' home opener and watched their games in Penticton and Salmon Arm last weekend (Oct. 4 and 5).
While de Nys clearly has an offensive flare to his game, he's trying to work on more of his two-way game and being equally responsible on the defensive end as well as the offensive side of the puck. He believes the transition will help him in the next step of his career in the NCAA.
"I just want to be a player who is trusted on both ends of the rink, and coach can feel comfortable putting me in any position whether that be six on five at the end of the game to get a goal or trying to close out a one-goal game at the end of period. I think that is the biggest thing for me, just developing both sides," he explained.
With six players returning to the roster, de Nys has a lot of friends who have moved on from the Oilers. He said that he still keeps in touch with them on social media and keeps up to date with their games.
de Nys also wanted to thank the Green Army for all the support over the years.
"They are really everything to us, so much easier to come out and really get fired up for a game when you walk out there and see tons of people in the stands and it gets really loud out there. You really feel it when you get a goal or two and they really start to build the momentum behind you. Whenever they come out it's great, and it really makes playing here in Okotoks a pleasure."
10 questions with Ryder de Nys
What is your go-to cheat meal?
"Chocolate chip cookies that the billet mom makes. It's not really a meal but yeah."
Favourite player and team growing up?
"Calgary Flames and then player I would say Duncan Keith. Just with all those cup runs as a D-man. You can throw in Pavel Datsyukl too, just with how crafty he was."
What is your guilty pleasure song?
"Love Story by Taylor Swift."
Do you prefer to use black or white hockey tape?
"White. I did use black before, but I switched it, I felt good and kept it."
What is your pre-game ritual?
"A game day walk through the neighbourhood."
Favourite movie and TV show?
"TV show I have to go with Breaking Bad. Movie, Happy Gilmore."
If you could meet anyone in the world alive or dead, who would it be?
"Probably meet Michael Jordan. When you watch the Last Dance it kind of gets you fired up. I think he would be a cool character to meet."
Best chirp you have said or heard?
"I don't find myself chirping too much. A couple of years ago a guy on our team called another guy Quagmire (Family Guy character). He had a pretty big chin, so..."
Would you rather go back in time or visit the future?
"I would probably go back in time 20 or 30 years ago to see what it was like when my parents were growing up."
If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you would buy?
"New irons for my golf bag."
Bonus
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
"Teleportation. I think just eliminating these bus rides. Just snap and be in the other locker room."
What is your secret talent?
"I'd say my memory is really good. I can remember a lot of lyrics to songs, different random stuff like hockey facts."