The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the commitment of local player Rylan Ball for the 2015/2016 season.
Ball, 20, is entering his final year of Junior eligibility, however comes with plenty of experience. In 2013/14, he played 30 games for the Cowichan Valley Capitals and registered 3 assists. This past season, he joined the Kings as an affiliate player from the VIJHL’s Westshore Wolves, putting up 2 goals and 5 assists in 16 regular season and playoff games in addition to the 12-19-31 in 28 games he recorded with Westshore.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to play Junior A hockey” says Ball. “I had a brief stint with the Capitals and now this coming season I’m looking forward to having a good year and build on what I did last season in Powell River with a great bunch of guys.”
“Rylan is a player we’re obviously very familiar with being a local kid, and last season as well” says Kings Head Coach and General Manager Kent Lewis. “He came in last year and filled a role for us down the stretch last season, playing some big minutes and contributing along the way. Because of that, he earned a spot on our team this year.”
The 6’0, 185lb mobile defenceman bought versatility to the Kings lineup last season as Ball has played both forward and defenceman at the Junior level, but it’s the simplicity of his game that shone through. “Moving up from Junior B to the BCHL there’s a lot more skill, but it’s the pace of the game that’s the biggest difference” says Ball on the challenge of moving up. “You have to think and react a lot faster, you can’t play the puck too much, you almost have to dumb down your game and just make the simple play because mistakes get converted more in the BCHL.”
“He gives us a lot of options both up front and on the blue line” says Lewis. “He came in down the stretch and into playoffs, and did really well. He went on the powerplay, he’s a good skater and will generate some good scoring opportunities from the point.” That post season experience is a big boost ahead of the 2015/ 2016 season according to Ball. “Playoffs was a bonus, playing 2 series with Westshore then getting to play in Powell River. It was a huge confidence booster coming into the end of the season, and I was excited to play with a great group of guys (in Powell River) and it’s a shame we didn’t go further.”
In preparation for the new season, Ball is taking a step back for the time being, before moving into full training ahead of camp in August and the season in September. “I’m enjoying time away from hockey for now” says Ball. “Between Westshore and Powell River last year, it was a lot of hockey and some big minutes, so I’m taking a short break before getting into my regular off-season program, training hard and getting ready for another tough season.”
The Kings will hold a pair of Spring Identification Camps in late May, one in Comox and the other in Kamloops. Main camp in Powell River will be at the end of August before the season begins again early September.
