By Alexis Demopoulos
Through hard work and determination, Mercer Chiefs forward Ryan Stratton is thrilled to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Skidmore College for the 2025-26 season.
Stratton signed with the Chiefs in November 2024 and in 31 regular season games played, he tallied 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) and was a key part of the offense. In his playoff games so far, Stratton has three assists as his Chiefs team is currently tied 1-1 in a series with the Jersey Hitmen.
“The Mercer Chiefs organization as a whole has been an amazing experience thus far and has really helped me develop,” said the Syracuse, N.Y., native. “Coach Rob Broderick is a great coach who runs things very smoothly in Mercer. He allows us to come in each day and have fun playing hockey, while also getting work done and preparing for our opponents. I decided to come to Mercer because the Chiefs have been a successful team in the NCDC in the few years they have been a team. I was also certain I would be coming into a positive situation with Coach Broderick leading the way for us.”
Stratton has been in communication with the Skidmore College coaching staff since the 2023-24 season while he was playing prep hockey at Canterbury.
“What the Skidmore coaches liked about my game that stood out to them was my compete level and my ability to play both sides of the puck offensively and defensively,” said Stratton.
Stratton wanted a school where he could continue to develop as a player while also getting a top-notch education and Skidmore checked all his boxes.
“Something about Skidmore that interested me at first was the great academics that the school has to offer,” said Stratton. “I knew Skidmore was a very competitive liberal arts school that was a place I could see myself being a part of the future. From a hockey standpoint, the history of the hockey program was notable to me. I have heard nothing but great things about playing for Skidmore and developing as a person and player with the coaching staff.”
Another huge factor for choosing Skidmore was how it is just a short drive to his hometown, letting him be close to family.
“When I visited the campus, I thought it could be a great place for me to attend because of the welcoming faces and the first class academic buildings, making it feel like home,” said Stratton. “The proximity to home also was a factor with it being under three hours away, and Saratoga Springs being a beautiful town to live in.”
Stratton plans to continue to work on his skating abilities as well as get stronger as he knows the competition at the college level will be older and faster. As for finishing out his juniors career, the Chiefs are currently battling in the Dineen Cup playoffs right now and Stratton hopes they can go all the way.
“I am hoping for a good finish to our season by ultimately making a run for a Dineen Cup Championship and finishing out the last bit of the season with everything we have,” said Stratton.
The NCDC congratulates Ryan Stratton, his family, the Mercer Chiefs and Skidmore College for his commitment.
