Wolf Pack Pride : Ryan Criscuolo Interview
At the early age of three, Ryan started playing hockey. He had some influence with two older brother's Anthony and Joey, and his father playing over the years. Ryan has made the most of the opportunities and chances he has been given. He has been with the Jr. Wolf Pack, just two short months, he is being noticed amongst his peer players, and already things have started to happen for him.
He has been selected as part of an elite group of the top 40 players in the United States, where he is one of the youngest, to participate in tryout camp in Minnesota, for the Viking Cup Tournament.
The Viking Cup is held in Alberta, and is a world class event that attracts spectators ranging from; scouts from every NHL club, Western Canadian Junior clubs, and from college and university clubs, media representatives, and dignitaries from Consulates and Embassies. The players that are selected at try outs, for these teams aim for their peak in hockey impression and performance. The Viking Cup has been held for twenty five years, in this time, 310 Viking Cup alumni have been drafted into the NHL from all over the world.
I had a chance to speak with Ryan and this is what he had to say about his experiences to date.
SOS: Congratulations! What a great future you have to look forward to. Tell me a little about what it means to you to be selected for the try out camp? What was your reaction when you found out you were selected?
RC: Well, Bob (Crawford) had told me there was a possibility I may be chosen. I never thought I was good enough. Then we found out that the age level included the '87's and younger and we thought the chances were more slim. It seemed like a long shot that I would get picked when some of these kids just got drafted. When Bob told me I was selected I was VERY excited. I guess I know now that I can compete with these kids. It was a reality check.
SOS: Has this been the highlight of your career?
RC: Yes! I have never done anything on this level nationwide before. I had been on Team CT (2004-2003 and 2001-2002) and I was All State in High School (2004-2005) but nothing like this.
SOS: Six weeks ago you were an unknown and now you are competing with your peers at this level. What contributions have the Clipper's made in an effort to open up the hockey world to you? What or who do you attribute your fast success?
RC: Starting right away, Bob wasn't concerned with talking to other coaches (college/scouts); he believed in me and followed through. He has been working with me on my game to make adjustments from my high school style vs. what I will need at the Jr. and college level.
SOS: Bob Crawford believes you have an excellent chance at becoming a prospect with the top Division 1 schools. What impact has he had on this opportunity since he has been your coach?
RC: Getting to this point is the biggest thing he could have done for me. I will be in a position to be recognized by Division 1 and NHL coaches. It is a dream come true.
SOS: What schools have you been looking at?
RC: I really want to play in the Hockey East; I feel that this is the best hockey conference. I am a senior now and I can play Jr. 2 more years. I would like to continue to live here; this is where my parents and family are. I don't know BU, New Hampshire or UVM Maine if they would want me. I would play anywhere.
SOS: What areas of the game are the Clipper's working with you on to improve in order to get you to through this next level of competition?
RC: Moving the puck up the ice more quickly. In High School I had a couple of extra seconds to make the perfect pass. Now I can jump right up, in and rush. I don't have to play the body as much because of my speed. I was offensive blind in the past and Bob has been developing my style by teaching me to rush the puck and be more involved in the game, not only defense. I get to be the extra forward and have more interaction instead of sitting back on the blue line.
SOS: What are the main assets you have now that you have been playing with the Jr. Wolf Pack?
RC: My speed was always there. My dad worked on skating with me growing up. I can get to the puck so I don't have to battle for it and I have more time. Now I can use the speed and adjust to moving the puck and have the time to step up.
SOS: Do you feel playing defense gives you an advantage over the other players on the ice? Why?
RC: Yes and no. As a defense player I see the whole ice and it is more of a stationary position. My main objective is for them not to score. I do what I have to do and I get the best of both worlds because now I can add the offense. When someone is watching me play, they are looking for me to be the one that plays defense well. Then, when they see that I also have the speed and can play offensively they notice I have the full package.
SOS: What advice would you give to players coming up in the Clipper's organization?
RC: Work. A lot of work. That is how you get far. I believe hockey is one of the hardest sports. You need to be dedicated and focus on hockey. I play a lot. The Clippers is a great organization and it is getting better. They are doing the Learn to Play Hockey and we (Jr. Wolf Pack) help out. Bob is great and he gets the best coaches. These coaches know about the game and are not just putting in the time. He brings in his contacts in the hockey world, and NHL players like Yvon Corriveau, have been practicing with us. It is nice that Bob can talk to the defense and Yvon can be working with the forwards and everybody is involved.
SOS: Thank you Ryan, for taking the time to talk to me. I wish you all the best and Good Luck in Minnesota and with your career.
RC: Thank you and good luck with your season.
Article by Sona O. Sliker.
