An elite offensive defenseman and power-play specialist,
Ringwald has improved his conditioning entering
2008-09. |
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Key Statistics: In two
seasons Ringwald has established himself as one of the
most productive blueliners in the nation. He had three
goals and 30 assists for the Tigers last season –
a total of 101 players in Atlantic Hockey scored more
goals than Ringwald but no one set up more tallies.
His 0.81 assists per game ranked fourth in the nation
among defensemen, and his 0.89 points ranked second.
Six of his seven collegiate goals have come on the power
play, and only seven of his points last season came
at even strength. He was a plus-four in league play
as a rookie, and a plus-nine overall last season. He
helped lead the Oakville Blades to a championship in
the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, posting
eight goals and 28 assists in 47 games during his final
campaign.
What He Does: Ringwald
looks so smooth on the ice it sometimes appears like
he is playing rather nonchalantly, but that’s
the effect of playing with poise and confidence. Ringwald
sees the ice well, which allows him to break the puck
out effectively, as well as backcheck into his own zone
going the other way. Ringwald is a much better passer
than shooter – he only took 43 shots on net last
season – but his playmaking is unquestioned.
The Bigger Picture: Ringwald,
22, has returned to the team in better shape, and Wilson
hopes that translates into a bit more physical play,
something he will need if he wishes to succeed at the
pro level. Ringwald will quarterback the power play,
and play on one of RIT’s top two defensive units.
RIT head coach Wayne Wilson on
Ringwald: "I think because of his smarts
we can play him in any situation, and he doesn’t
get into a lot of physical confrontations. He is either
picking off passes, poke checking and he reads situations
very well defensively. From a mental standpoint, he
is one of the strongest defensemen I’ve coached.
Now he has to work on the physical skills to go with
his head."
—
Ken McMillan |
