Victoria, B.C. - The 2023-24 season was one to remember for 17-year-old netminder Ryan Tamelin, and it was capped off earlier this week as he was ranked 29th by NHL Central Scouting amongst North American goalies ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tamelin said he was initially surprised when he found out the news of his ranking.
“I was super surprised to be honest. It’s not really common for a kid playing U18 hockey to get listed by NHL Central Scouting, so that made it even more special.”
The ranking was just one of multiple recognitions that Tamelin received over the past week, as he was named a finalist for the U18 CSSHL Top Goaltender Award, and a CSSHL First-Team All Star.
“It was pretty cool to get that recognition. Everybody has been congratulating me at school. It's a pretty cool experience. I thought I had a good year, and it felt great to get recognized for it.”
Tamelin turned heads in his season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) U18 Prep Team, posting a 13-4-0 record, while boasting a 2.82 GAA, .913 save percentage, and recording two shutouts during 18 games in the regular season. These strong numbers were impressive amongst CSSHL goalies, as he found himself in the Top-10 of each goaltending category.
“I thought individually, I had a pretty strong first half of the season and then a really strong playoffs,” mentioned Tamelin. “I felt our team played really well for the whole season. We had a really tight group.”
While the ranking from NHL Central Scouting doesn’t guarantee a selection in the upcoming draft, the news was just another step in the direction of Tamelin achieving a lifelong dream.
“I've always wanted to play in the NHL, just like every other Canadian kid wants to do from the time they were young hockey players,” stated Tamelin. “It was just crazy. My parents are super excited for me - even though I may not get drafted this year, it'll line me up well for years to come.”
In addition to strong numbers this season, Tamelin also brings upside with his height, standing at 6’8”, and 201 lbs.
“I think my height helps a lot because I'm huge and can cover so much net, which I think helps me standout.”
His size brings an important piece to the puzzle in net, but Tamelin credits the work of his goaltending coaches at OHA to his style of play.
“The goalie coaches and everything are just so awesome here at OHA,” said Tamelin. “I honestly have got everything that I could possibly need to better my development.”
Tamelin was originally drafted 183rd overall by the Spokane Chiefs in the ninth-round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
After spending the past three seasons making his way through OHA, Tamelin signed his WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Royals on November 22nd, 2023.
As Tamelin reflects on committing to Victoria, he recalls the moment he got a call from the Royals brass.
“I was in school one day and Jake (Heisinger), the General Manager called me and let me know what they wanted to do with me as a player. After that, I talked to my parents and I was super excited about the opportunity.”
Tamelin would get a chance to make his debut for the Royals during their lengthy East Division road swing, suiting up against the Saskatoon Blades on January 13th during the final game of the trip.
During his debut, Tamelin made 33 saves on 38 shots as Victoria fell 5-4 in overtime to Saskatoon.
“There were a lot of nerves heading into it. The team was on a long road trip and we hadn't won a game yet, so I felt like that was a large reason for the nerves. But I thought I went out there and played pretty good.”
Looking ahead to next year, Tamelin has set his target on making the Royals squad on a full-time basis.
“I want to make the team next year. I think it'll be good next year if I can make the team,” stated Tamelin. “I would get to play some games and have a goalie (Jayden Kraus) around my age alongside me, who is a great goaltender. So I'm looking forward to it If I can get the opportunity.