After a successful career in Portland — and an NHL camp invite with the New York Rangers — McCleary returns home to Swift Current to finish off his WHL Career

After playing 167 regular season and playoff games with the Portland Winterhawks, Ryan McCleary has returned home to Swift Current to finish off his WHL Career. The overaged defenceman brings plenty of experience, which the Broncos hope will help them qualify for the post-season this year. While his time in Swift Current has been short, he is already having a positive impact on the team early on in the season. 

Playing for the Broncos isn't just special because McCleary was born in Swift Current, but also because of his family history with the organization. Not only did his dad Trent play over 300 regular season and playoff games with the organization, but he was also part of the 1989 and 1993 WHL Championship squads and is listed as part of the 1989 Memorial Cup-winning Swift Current Broncos. 

Now, 30 years later, McCleary is looking to take help his father's team repeat history. 

"I grew up in Swift," said McCleary. "I was watching the Broncos, and then my dad played for the Broncos, and now I get to play for the same team. It's pretty cool."

Prior to making his Broncos debut against the Prince George Cougars on Oct. 11th, McCleary was making an impression at the NHL and AHL levels. Originally a seventh-round selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2021, he received an invite to attend New York Rangers camp this year. While he may not have left camp with a pro contract, the fact that the Rangers assigned him to the Hartford Wolf Pack prior to him returning to the WHL shows that they wanted to get a close look at what he was capable of. 

"It was a really good camp," said McCleary. "They kept me for almost a month. I went to their development camp, rookie camp, main camp, and then NHL tryout after that. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had."

While he may not be the flashiest player on the ice, it is clear McCleary plays an important role on this team. He is part of the leadership group, and the hope is his calming influence in his own end will help Swift Current become stronger in the defensive zone. If he can play the way he did in Portland, not only will the Broncos be playoff-bound, but they could surprise and go on a run reminiscent of the one his dad went on during his final season in Swift Current.