This month’s alumni spotlight focuses on Ryker Leer.
Hockey has taken Ryker Leer to a lot of places.
The now 28-year-old began his hockey career in Eckville and Red Deer and resulted in him going as far as Sweden.
Leer started playing hockey when he was three years old.
“My dad worked in hockey his whole life and introduced me to the game,” Leer said. “He taught me everything I know.”
Leer got into organized hockey in Eckville, which he said was good for him development and growth.
“Playing in a small town we only had 14 guys on a team,” Leer recalled. “It allowed me to get a ton of puck touches and practice time to prepare for the next level.”
He then translated his skillset over to a high level of play. Leer suited up for the Sylvan Lake Lakers U15 A, Red Deer Rebels White U15 AAA (provincial champions), Red Deer Chiefs U16 and U18 AAA (Telus Cup champions) and Sylvan Lake Lakers U18 AA. Leer’s best season came in 2011-12 when he scored 24 goals and had 64 points in 35 games with Sylvan Lake’s AA squad.
Leer then went on to play for the Camrose Kodiaks for three seasons, with his final year being his best. In 57 games, he went over a point-per-game with 23 goals and 59 points. His success landed him an opportunity to play NCAA hockey with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where he stayed for four years and earned his degree.
Leer then got the chance to go play two seasons in Sweden with Visby/Roma HK and the Nybro Vikings in the Swedish third tier league, HockeyEttan. He played 49 games over parts of two seasons posting 39 points in those games, including 14 goals.
Leer said he thoroughly enjoyed his experience playing the sport, but one thing stands out above the rest.
“The relationships I built with my teammates,” he said. “Friendships that last forever from people all over the world.”
Leer is currently a Private Wealth Management Associate.