Sitemap Main Page |
|
---|---|
Dominating the blue line, Whitney was taken fifth overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, American Ryan Whitney is in the midst of a stellar rookie season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.
Whitney elected to remain an amateur until the end of the 2003-2004 season, leading his Boston University in scoring, recording 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) and 56 penalty minutes in 38 games last year. After the collegiate season completed, Whitney made his pro debut with the Baby Penguins during the AHL playoffs. He played brilliantly, ranking fourth among all defensemen in post season scoring with 10 points (1 goals, 9 assists) in 20 games. In 2004-05, Ryan is continuing to shine with his impressive play and as been one of the defensive pillars for Wilkesׂarre/Scranton this season. He is the teamӳ top scoring blueliner with 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) through 46 games. Standing 6-foot 4 and weighing over 200 lbs., Whitney stacks up well for a shot at the NHL as he is a physically imposing presence on the ice. He moves deftly for a big man, has great puck handling skills and makes crisp passes on the fly. If his defensive game flourishes as much as his offense has recently, Ryan could develop into an all-star in the National Hockey League. We don't see him as a dead-bang lock for movement into the NHL in 2005-2006, but sources tell us that he's a shoe-in for the following year if he keeps building the way that he has. Whitney caps off the terrific thirty of the FAB50 2005 Hockey players. |
|
|
|