Oshawa Generals’ Ryder McIntyre wins OHL’s Roger Neilson Memorial Award
Published April 28, 2023 at 8:56 am
The Ontario Hockey League is the highest level of junior hockey in the world but only a small percentage of its players ever see the ice in the NHL, a lesson not lost on Oshawa Generals forward Ryder McIntyre, this year’s recipient of the Roger Neilson Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic Post-Secondary Student.
McIntyre achieved an overall average of 81 per cent in studies at the University of Guelph, headlined by a 100 per cent grade in an Introduction to Marketing course, in addition to a 95 in Human Development. McIntyre’s courseload also included Psychology and Microeconomics as he achieved high standing during his second season in the OHL.
“I’m very honoured to receive the Roger Neilson Memorial Award,” said McIntyre. “I’d like to thank my teachers, Oshawa Generals Academic Advisor Tom Buchanan, and the entire Generals organization for their continued support and the environment needed to succeed.”
A 6-foot-3, 221 Ib. 18-year-old right-winger from Stouffville, McIntyre recorded seven goals, 10 assists and 17 points over 63 games between the Generals and the Sarnia Sting in 2022-23. He was acquired by the Generals from Sarnia last October.
“It’s not a surprise to me that Ryder has won this prestigious academic award,” said Generals Vice-President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “He is a young man that is very capable of prioritizing things and has a great work ethic. He works as hard in the gym, on the ice and in the classroom – a great formula for young people to follow if you want to succeed in life.”
Originally a third round (51st overall) pick by Sarnia in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, McIntyre’s top performance this past season came on Feb. 20th when he recorded a goal and two assists in a 10-7 win over the Niagara IceDogs.
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“Ryder has shown himself as a dedicated and conscientious student,” said Generals Academic Advisor Tom Buchanan. “He has demonstrated the self-discipline and time management skills to combine a busy hockey schedule with the rigours of a university timetable. Ryder successfully completed four university courses during the hockey season.”
Roger Neilson
The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach who, in addition to NHL coaching stints with eight teams (including the Toronto Maple Leafs), served behind the Peterborough Petes bench in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players.
McIntyre becomes the second Oshawa Generals player to win the award, following goaltender Daniel Altshuller in 2012-13.
Guelph Storm defenceman Payton Robinson finished second in the voting.
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