Meet Ryder Ponto
Leduc Oil Kings U18 AAA AEHL
Goalie – 2005 DOB
6’1” 163lbs

Tell us about your hometown, family and hobbies. 

My hometown is Edmonton where I first learned to play hockey, and where I also started school.  I have a small family where I am the only child along with three dogs.  My favourite hobby is playing golf all summer long with friends, and I’d like to do a couple tournaments this year.

How did you originally begin playing hockey (what age as well) and what is your favourite memory from when you were younger? 

I originally started playing hockey when I was four years old.  I started playing hockey because as a young Canadian born boy playing hockey is a natural hobby.  My favourite memory from when I was younger has to be going to LA for spring hockey a few years ago.

Who is your favourite NHL player and who do you model your game after? Why? 

My favourite NHL player is Marc Andre Fleury.  He is my favourite because I find his attitude is among the best in the league.  I find I model my game after Pekka Rinne because he is for the most part a calm goalie but will make a great save when needed, and I also try to base my stance after his.

What team do/did you play for? What was your favorite part from the season?

This season I’m playing for LJAC U18 AAA, and my favourite part of the season was the road trip to Lethbridge because we got to stay a couple nights in a hotel as a team.

What are your top goals as a student athlete? Why are they your top goals? 

My top goals as a student athlete is to be coachable and have a hard work ethic along with having a save percentage over 0.920 and GAA under 2.00.  A long term goal would be to play in the AJHL and go to the NCAA later on. 

How important is school from your perspective? Why is it that way?

School is extremely important to me because it determines my future beyond hockey but is also the only way I will be able to go the NCAA D1.

What would it mean to you to play at the NCAA or Pro level? 

It would mean a ton to me to know that all the work I’ve put in over the years has finally paid off.  I would feel accomplished that I achieved my dream goal and wouldn’t take it for granted.

What separates you as a player or person? How do you continue to get better? 

I find what separates me as a player is my work ethic ad attitude because I just always try to learn and try new things from my coach or a goalie coach.  I continue to get better by trying new things and working outside my comfort zone.

What impact are you looking to have in your sports careers (community, team, success, etc.) 

I’m looking to impact my team by being a good role model and leaving everything on the ice and doing anything to win a hockey game.  I want to do my best to win the next few games in order to get my team a run in the playoffs.

One fun fact about yourself. 

One fun fact about myself is that I’m an unreal power forward with a lethal snapshot at the outdoor rink and that I can outdrive my dad in golf.