Campbell River

Coach Ryder was born and raised in the Comox Valley. He began playing goalie at the age of 9 and played all of his minor hockey in the Comox Valley until his 16-year-old season, when he moved to play for the Okanagan Hockey Academy in the CSSHL. During his year at OHA, in the COVID season, Ryder worked daily with two WHL and BCHL goalie coaches.

Ryder then moved back home to play in the VIJHL for his hometown team, the Comox Valley Glacier Kings, while practising with the Powell River Kings of the BCHL in his 17-year-old season. He spent his 18-year-old season, in 2022, recovering from hip surgery for a labral tear and cam impingement. The surgery meant a 9–12 month recovery, rebuilding his muscles, and a high chance of not returning to full form, or not returning at all. Ryder made a full recovery and gained plenty of knowledge about hips and overall mobility from professionals along the way.

Ryder finished his junior career between the VIJHL and the NOJHL in the CJHL, and was selected to the VIJHL All-Star Game in his first season back. While he had opportunities to play college or university hockey, he ultimately stepped away from playing due to injuries and wear and tear on his body.

Ryder has been coaching goalies for the last 3 years while playing, including being coached by, and coaching with, president and head instructor Coach Michael. Along with coaching, he has done plenty of mental training sessions with Innermind Sports, learning the ways around the complex goaltending mind. Ryder comes to each session with energy, knowledge, and a positive mindset.