Portland Winterhawks defenceman Ryder Thompson has committed to Miami University (Ohio) for the 2025-26 season.
The 20-year-old Thompson, who hails from Russell, Man., has been a fixture on the blueline for the Winterhawks since making his WHL debut in 2019-20. Over five seasons in the Rose City, the 5-foot-11, 182-pound rearguard has appeared in 244 career regular season contests, registering 77 points (12G-65A) along the way.
“Miami is a great fit for me because throughout the recruiting process the RedHawks coaching staff built a great relationship with me and my family,” Thompson said in a Winterhawks media release. “They did an outstanding job taking the time to share everything about their hockey program and University as well as answering all questions my family had. They have a great track record of players who have been the through program. The type of culture, brotherhood, and education at Miami best suits me as a player and person to further my hockey career and education.”
REV UP THE BUS. RYDER THOMPSON CALLS GAME@PDXWinterhawks pic.twitter.com/cf9dwH6HcZ
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) November 17, 2024
Thompson is already enjoying a career season, having collected a career best seven goals in 48 games. With 17 points (7G-10A) in 48 games, he is on pace to surpass the 22 points (1G-21A) he secured in 67 games during the 2023-24 campaign. He serves as an alternate captain for the Winterhawks and was the recipient of the Winterhawks Award for 2023 and 2024, which is presented annually to the player who embodies character, leadership, and heart and soul.
Originally selected by the Winterhawks in the fifth round (105th overall) of the 2019 WHL Draft, Thompson was a vital part of the blueline as the Winterhawks advanced to the 2024 WHL Championship Series, appearing in 18 WHL Playoff games. Over his WHL career, he has logged 38 games of WHL Playoff experience.
Thompson and the Winterhawks (27-18-2-1) remain entrenched in a battle for WHL Playoff positioning, sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings heading into the weekend.
Portland is scheduled to visit the Vancouver Giants (24-19-6-0) Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
https://twitter.com/pdxwinterhawks/status/1887926346036510924
