NCDC 2024-25 Awards: Jersey Hitmen’s Aiden Ryan Named Atlantic Defensive Forward Of The Year
By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
The National Collegiate Development Conference congratulates Aiden Ryan of the Jersey Hitmen, as he has been named the Atlantic Division Defensive Forward Of The Year.
“It is an honor to be named the Atlantic Division’s Defensive Forward Of The Year. One of the things I tried to work on most this year was improving on the defensive side of the puck, so it means a lot to me. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches,” said Ryan, a 2004-born native of Raleigh, N.C. “Coaches Toby Harris and Jim Hunt have helped me develop in so many different ways during my two years in Jersey. Both offensively and defensively, they have really helped me shape my game. I am beyond grateful for them and my teammates.”
Ryan was a third-season NCDC veteran this year, originally joining with the Rockets Hockey Club in 2022-23. This year, as defensive as his game may have been, he also rang up a career high of 56 points in 46 games, leading the Hitmen in scoring. He improved massively from 18 points last season and 10 points as an NCDC rookie in 2022-23. He will bring this game to the NCAA’s SUNY-Cortland in 2025-26.
“I think I have brought my speed and physicality to the team along with my offensive awareness,” said Ryan. “Our system in Jersey focuses a lot on setting the tone first and being physical to create scoring chances, which has really helped me feel comfortable and confident within our style of play.”
“I try to do my best to be as physical as I can and be in the right spot at the right time. As a winger, there are a lot of different situations and decisions you need to make in the defensive zone. Our zone coverage at Hitmen has a set plan and it really helped me with my game on both sides of the puck,” Ryan added. “Being able to use size and speed to our advantage along with advice and help from the coaches has helped me a lot in all aspects of the game.”
So much time and effort has gone into this effort to improve all aspects of his game, and he’s absorbed it all, the classic “sponge” type of player that coaches love to have on their team.
“The Hitmen have been really helpful to me. The team focuses on the little details and keeping it simple both offensively and defensively. This has really helped me develop as a player. Coach Harris and Coach Hunt make defense a staple in our system and was a huge part of our success this year,” he said. “I learned a lot through our video sessions and practices each and every week. Knowing that every guy in the locker room was there to push each other every day and all of us had the same goal in mind, helped me feel confident about our group as well as my own personal game.
“I think the NCDC is a great league for development and getting players ready for the collegiate level,” he added of the league where he became the player he is today over three years. “The pace of play and competition around the whole league is awesome. Playing in the NCDC is a great way to get your name out to scouts in the NCAA throughout the season and at the showcases as well.”
He was able to attract the scouts of SUNY-Cortland, and he’s looking forward to a great four years ahead in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. Cortland finished first in the SUNYAC in conference play this past season.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the next four years at Cortland. They have a great team and I am really happy with my decision. I went to visit Cortland earlier in the year and it was an awesome experience,” said Ryan. “Both the college and hockey atmospheres were unbelievable as well as the facilities. The coaching staff and players there were really welcoming. I can tell it’s a really good group and can’t wait to get things started this upcoming season!”
Ryan’s pathway to the NCAA and even the NCDC had originally begun in the USPHL Elite Conference with the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, making him a great example of USPHL Advancement In Action.
“I am forever grateful for my time in Carolina playing with the Junior Canes. Being from North Carolina really helped me feel comfortable in my first year of juniors,” he added. “The coaching staff really pushed me to be better every day and helped a lot when it came to making the jump to the NCDC the following season. The Junior Canes organization is a great spot for both the Elite and Premier levels. Not only focused on winning and becoming better on the ice but also a better person and improving your strength with off-ice training.”