Corpus Christi, Texas – Being a defenseman in hockey can be a grind and a job that demands toughness to keep the opponent from scoring.
Sprinkle in some offense, and you have Corpus Christi IceRays defenseman Ryan Hintz.
In his third season on the junior level and second with the IceRays, Hintz, who hails from Rockford, Illinois, provides the skills that every defenseman requires at the highest level.
After being voted the team’s most valuable player last season, Hintz is one of the assistant captains this season, and he continues to lead by example.
“I think I bring a high level to compete in every single game,” Hintz says. “I don’t give up for a single shift, so I know that every time I’m on the ice, I believe I give my team the best chance of winning.”
IceRays assistant coach Chris Mei, the leader of the team’s defense couldn’t agree more.
“So Ryan’s the dependable player that we have back that you can put in any situation and he’s always going to get the job done,” Mei says of Hintz. “In our defensive zone, he’s one of the best. He does everything he’s asked of him.
“He’s a guy that we need in all situations, so on the defensive side, he’s one of our go-to guys on and off the ice, and he’s a quiet leader.”
Hintz’s drive and determination to be more offensive minded have added an element to his game.
Last season, Hintz scored one goal and added 11 assists in 57 games with the IceRays.
This year, Hintz has collected two goals and seven assists for nine points.
He scored his first goal in 14 games and added an assist in Corpus Christi’s 7-3 win at the Colorado Grit on November 25.
“When I first started juniors, my first goal was to improve my offensive game, I knew that was what I had to work on the most so that was really my main focus,” Hintz said. “I think that over the past two 2 1/2 years now with my junior career, I’ve been able to do that pretty well, and I’m still trying to do that now and just excited to keep doing that.”
Heading into the weekend, Hintz has appeared in 80 games in Corpus Christi and has scored three goals and dished out 17 assists for 20 points.
“I think my main strength was definitely my defensive game, but I’m really trying to bring in the offensive side so I can help on both sides of the ice and not just one,” Hintz said.
In his first season in junior hockey, Hintz scored seven goals and added 13 assists for 20 points in 35 games with the Twin City Thunder of the NCDC.
Hintz has been on skates since the age of 3, and has five seasons of youth hockey with the Madison Capitols 13U AAA, the Chicago Fury 14U AAA and 15U AAA, and the Chicago Mission 16U AAA and 18U AAA.
Being confident on and off the ice is a key factor in Hintz’s growth as a player and teammate.
“I think confidence is a big part of it. I think knowing what skill you have and being able to use it in the game is really big,” Hintz says. “I may have struggled a little bit last year with it, coming to a new league and a new team.
“It was just a little difficult at times, but I think just having the confidence and understanding what you can really do is like the thing.”
Hintz’s main goal is to get to the Division 1 level and continue his education.
In the meantime, Hintz is enjoying the subtropical weather in Corpus Christi after growing up and playing in much colder climates.
“It was definitely a big shock, but it’s really nice and I’m definitely not taking it for granted because I know a lot of hockey teams are not able to do that,” Hintz said of being able to practice and then enjoy the weather afterward. “I know it’s something that I don’t look past.”
Hintz would like to pattern his future along the path of his favorite player, New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox.
“I really just want to make my game like his,” Hintz said of Fox. “He’s a pretty steady player and he can compete offensively and defensively, and that’s a huge goal of mine.”
Hintz also enjoys watching his main defensive partner Connor Brust in action.
“Maybe I’m a little bit biased because he’s my partner, but he really has great leadership skills and you can tell a lot of people look up to him,” Hintz says of Brust. “He’s an extremely hard worker and I’m really glad that I’m able to play with him every single game.”
The immediate goal now is to help his teammates move the IceRays up the standings.
“I truly believe that we’re a playoff team and we can make a strong run for a championship,” Hintz says. “Seeing that everyone’s bought in and everyone wants to work and come to the rink and loves each other. The camaraderie is really nice and it just feels as if we have something special.”
Mei feels that Hintz is equally special.
“He’s wearing a letter for a reason,” Mei said. “We expect our leadership group to carry this team and you know he’s a big part of it.”
Mei believes Hintz’s best playing days are ahead of him.
“He knows what it takes to move on to the next level,” Mei says. “He will move on to the next level, and he’s got a long career ahead of him because he puts in that extra effort and doesn’t need a crowd around to watch him put in that effort. He does it because he knows what he needs to get done. That’s why he’s the player he is today.”
And Hintz will continue to be one of the guys the IceRays rely on for the rest of the season.
The IceRays are home for a three-game series with the Shreveport Mudbugs Friday and Saturday night at 7:05, and Sunday afternoon at 4 at the American Bank Center.
If you can’t make it to the game in person, you can watch the games on NAHLTV.com and can also catch them on Brewster Street Radio.
For more info on the IceRays visit goicerays.com.
IceRays Defenseman Ryan Hintz
