> DROP THE PUCK ALREADY...........
> From: Deron Treadwell <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 2004/09/09 Thu AM 09:57:29 EDT
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Billy Ryan
>
> As first reported here, Billy Ryan will be eligible to play at Maine in
> December.
>
> --
> http://www.bangornews.com
>
> By Larry Mahoney, Of the NEWS Staff e-mail Larry
> Last updated: Thursday, September 9, 2004
> Recruit seeks an early start
> Ryan may join Bears after first semester
>
>
> The University of Maine  men's hockey program will gain a talented recruit a
> semester early.Billy Ryan, a third-round draft pick of the New York Rangers
> who verbally committed to attend Maine beginning next fall, is taking four
> classes at Maine that will enable him to become eligible after the first
> semester this season.
>
>
> He attended Cushing Academy (Mass.) last year and originally planned to
> return there.
>
> "Before the draft, the Rangers asked me if I would be willing to go to Maine
> a year early and I agreed to it," said Ryan, the 80th overall pick.
>
> "I'm glad I'm doing it. I want to be on this team and, hopefully, we can win
> a national championship. It's exciting," added the 18-year-old Ryan, who had
> 35 goals and 55 assists in 37 games at Cushing.
>
> Ryan took two courses at Quincy (Mass.) Community College over the summer to
> work toward the completion of his course requirements at Cushing, and the
> courses he is taking at Maine will allow him to graduate from the prep
> school.
>
> Maine coach Tim Whitehead said the school has petitioned the NCAA to seek a
> waiver allowing Ryan to practice and play immediately "but it's a bit of a
> long shot."
>
> If the waiver is denied, Ryan still would be eligible beginning Dec. 28 at
> the Everblades Classic in Estero, Fla., as long as he successfully completes
> the four courses he is taking.
>
> Ryan was one of the league leaders in points last year and said, "there was
> no reason to go back and play against kids younger than me."
>
> Whitehead said Ryan will be a "great addition.
>
> "It'll be like trading for an elite player midway through the season," said
> Whitehead. "He is an elite skater with excellent hockey sense and playmaking
> ability. He has great stamina. He can go out shift after shift and play at a
> high level. He loves to play and is very comfortable in traffic."
>
> Ryan, the younger brother of former Northeastern University star and
> second-round NHL draft pick Mike Ryan (Dallas 1999), said he is looking
> forward to the challenge.
>
> "Things are going great. I love it up here," said Ryan.
>