Ryan Moore talks about joining the Plymouth Whalers

Photo courtesy of Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers
Photo courtesy of Rena Laverty/Plymouth Whalers

 

By Matt Mackinder –

Up until the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline on Jan. 9, the Plymouth Whalers had just two Michigan natives on the roster in defensemen Mitch Jones (Rochester) and Tyler Sensky (Canton).

After the deadline passed, forward Ryan Moore made it three as the Troy native came over from the Windsor Spitfires in a three-team swap that saw veteran Whalers’ forward Matt Mistele wind up with the Oshawa Generals.

Moore said he only found out about the trade just minutes before the noon deadline.

“I was actually in Ottawa at the rink for a pregame skate,” Moore said. “We just got off the ice and my GM at Windsor (Warren Rychel) brought me into the room about 20 minutes before the trade deadline. They let me know about the potential to go to Plymouth. I discussed it with my agent and parents and we all felt that it would be a great move for me, so I let Windsor know that I would be willing to go to Plymouth.”

In the time since the trade, Moore said being back in Michigan “has been great.”

“Just like with any new team, there are small adjustments in the systems, getting to know the tendencies of linemates and other small things,” said Moore, who turns 18 on April 9. “Overall, I feel that I am comfortable and have fit in well.”

Growing up in Metro Detroit, Moore first became infatuated with the game when his mother, Lyn, took him to a learn-to-skate program at the Troy Sports Center. He played for the Troy Sting his first couple years and then went to Belle Tire AAA his Squirt Major year and remained with Belle Tire all the way though his Midget Minor year prior to being Windsor’s second-round pick (35th overall) in the 2013 OHL draft .

“I have had so many coaches that influenced and helped me as player all the way to Mini-Mite – they all have contributed in one way or another,” said Moore. “My dad, Patrick Moore, coached me when I was younger. Even though he is not behind the bench now, he still is a huge influence for me. Andy Paquette and Kevin Hess coached me in Bantams and Midgets and were a major part in my development.”

In a season-plus with Windsor, Moore tallied 10 goals and 30 points in 98 games and has added one goal and four assists in 12 games with the Whalers.

“Leaving any team, especially the one that drafted you, is difficult,” admitted Moore. “I spent a year and half there and basically lived there during the offseason. I created many friendships that I will take with me forever. At this level, it’s a business, and you are there for hockey. As for the experience, I have nothing but great things to say about Windsor. I left there a better hockey player and learned a ton. It’s a big market city as far and the OHL goes and the city lives and breathes the Spitfires. It was fun to play in that environment, with a first-class arena, great fans and a terrific atmosphere.”

Still, going into his OHL draft year, as with all high-end American talent, the decision to go the Major Junior or NCAA route lingered in Moore’s mind, but with his options open, he did his homework.

“Most Americans that face the Major Junior option also look hard at the NCAA and I did as well, and weighed the positives and negatives of both options,” said Moore. “I also visited some NCAA schools and some OHL clubs to get a feel for both. I just liked the style of play with the OHL, the level of competition, and felt that is where I wanted challenge myself and develop as a hockey player. What helped most in my decision was the OHL education package and knowing that I have that in my back pocket.”

And as soon as the current OHL season ends, the Whalers will be closing up shop in Plymouth and heading for new beginnings in Flint – a situation that Moore is more than ready for.

“Initially, I was surprised because you hear rumors of teams moving and/or selling, but you tend not to focus on the off-ice stuff,” explained Moore. “I remember going to Whaler games when I was younger and it’s sad that fans of Plymouth are losing their team. (Former owner) Mr. (Peter) Karmanos and the Whaler organization deserve all the credit for bringing the OHL to the USA and exposing USA kids, like myself, to the league. As for the move to Flint, it’s a great city with a long history of hockey that will embrace an OHL team. I have heard great things about the new ownership group and am excited to be part of building a winning tradition in Flint.”

With potential team nicknames being bandied about, one keeps coming back to Moore.

“I like the Flint Tropics,” laughed Moore. “I am a big fan of (the Will Ferrell movie) ‘Semi-Pro’ and I think it would be a good name for the team.”

First things first, though, and the Whalers still have a keen eye on qualifying for the OHL playoffs and not ending their streak of getting to the postseason that started in 1992.

“We have close to 20 games left and many are with teams that are also fighting for a playoff spot, so a lot of ground can be made up,” said Moore. “I just want to play as well as possible and help my team win.”

A portion of this article also appeared in the latest edition of MiHockeyMag