As last season went on for the Youngstown Phantoms, forward Ryan Rucinski had more of an impact.
Finishing with 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 39 regular season games, and three goals in the team’s three playoff games, Rucinski quickly developed into an impact player for the Phantoms.
The Broadview Heights native is set to come back for his third season in Youngstown and continue his growth.
That’s already showing literally, with Rucinski already tacking on 15 pounds of muscle since the season ended.
“I know that was a big thing that I wanted to do was put on weight and muscle,” Rucinski said. “I’ve just been trying to hit hard and eat a lot of food and it’s been working out pretty good.”
Going into his third year with the Phantoms, Rucinski is expected to take on more of a leadership role. While he says it doesn’t feel any different than when he first entered the league, he’s eager to take a leadership role with the group.
After all, he’s learned from multiple great leaders in the last two seasons.
“(Being a veteran now) doesn’t really feel too much different to be honest, but it’s good to know guys are looking up to you and knowing you gotta lead by example,” Rucinski said. “From my first year here with (Andrew) Strathmann, I learned a lot from him. He was a great captain, a great leader. And last year, with (Coleson) Hanrahan, one of my closest friends and roommates, I heard a lot from him, and then obviously just a lot of other guys in the room that were leaders that you could learn a lot from. I know there’s a lot of (new) guys, like Logan Anderson, the new tender. I’m trying to talk to him a lot and make everyone feel comfortable around here.
“I’m trying to leave by example. I want to bring a good effort and attitude every single day, and hopefully the guys look up to me.”
Being a leader is just one goal Rucinski has for this season. The other is to ride the momentum from last season and have another strong year before leaving for Ohio State.
“I was hoping to carry on and just build off last year and take another step this year,” Rucinski said.
With the NHL Draft fast approaching, and Rucinski’s name being thrown around as a potential pick, there’s reason to be excited. But Rucinski isn’t letting that thought occupy his mind right now. His focus is on being ready for the 2025-26 season.
If it’s his time and he gets picked, the excitement will come, but as of now, he’s just focused on being the best he can be for the upcoming season.
“I’m trying not to think about it,” Rucinski said. “I know it’s kind of probably in the back of my mind a little bit, but I just want to work and get better every day. If my name’s called, that’s great. If not, I’ll just keep working hard and it’ll come.”
The USHL announced its schedule on Tuesday with the Phantoms set to open the season at the Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pa., during the week of Sept. 15. Their home slate begins on Oct. 10 when they play host to Cedar Rapids.
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