NHL Veteran Terry Ryan to Make ECHL Return with the Newfoundland Growlers on His 47th Birthday

The Shoresy star has not suited up professionally since the 2002-03 season, last playing with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones.

It will be a very happy birthday for grizzled pro Terry Ryan when he takes to the ice for his first game in over twenty years in his home province.

Ryan, 47, is set to start with the ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers against the Adirondack Thunder at the Mary Brown's Centre on Sunday. 

Ryan shared with local news affiliate VOCM that it will be the "best birthday ever," adding, “I’ve got a 13-year-old daughter that hasn’t seen me play,” says Ryan. “That’s the overwhelming thing…that’s the number one thing I’m thinking about.”

The St. John's native was the eighth overall draft selection for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, where he'd play in eight games with the club over parts of three seasons. 

Bouncing between the AHL, IHL and various other North American organizations, Ryan's last pro-season came with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones in 2002-03, where he collected nine points in 12 games.

Since then, Ryan has become a noted author, podcaster and frequent collaborator with the Spittin' Chiclets crew and actor, most recently appearing in the Canadian comedy series Shoresy.