Ty Ronning has eyes for Coliseum
14-year-old first-round pick ready to take a run at emulating his dad
By Steve Ewen, The Province
May 29, 2012
Ty Ronning has made it official.
The Vancouver Giants' first-round pick, 15th overall, in the WHL bantam draft earlier this month confirmed Monday that he's signed a standard education contract with the club.
"It's pretty cool to think that my dad played in the Pacific Coliseum and I might play there soon," said the 14-year-old son of Vancouver Canucks fan favourite Cliff Ronning.
The deal further signifies Ronning's intent to play for the Giants rather than go the college route. His dad, of course, was a star in the major junior loop with the New Westminster Bruins.
Under league rules, Ronning can appear in only five games with the Giants next year until his midget team's season is completed. The Burnaby native is eligible to be a full-time player in 2013-14, when he's 16 years old.
Ronning returned Sunday from a five-day camp in Saskatoon put on by Octagon Hockey, the player-agent company. He was joined there by centre Anthony Ast, who just finished his 16-year-old year with the Giants.
As well, he got to skate with Ryan Murray, the Everett Silvertips defenceman projected to be a top pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
"It was a cool experience," said Ronning. "I learned a lot."
The 5-foot-6, 135-pound Ron-ning produced 77 goals and 153 points and had a plus-109 rating in 72 games last season with Burnaby Winter Club, the Western Canadian bantam champions.
Giants general manager Scott Bonner said that the team has also signed second-round pick Jesse Roach, a 6-foot-3, 160-pound right winger from Quesnel, to a player education contract. He was the 42nd overall selection.
[email protected]
© Copyright (c) The Province
Net Ring owned by you the fans.