Ryan Jones was a talented multi-sport athlete as a youth growing
up in Chatham; but he made a name for himself in hockey,
including 11 years as a professional.
Ryan played minor hockey with the Chatham Cobras and
Chatham-Kent Cyclones, followed by two years of Junior; with the Blenheim Blades and Dresden Kings. He then
played for the Chatham Maroons where he was the leading
scorer and Assistant Captain. In his final year , the Maroons
won the 2003-04 Western Jr. championship.
Ryan attended Chatham-Kent Secondary School where he won
three OFSAA medals in his final two years (2002-04). He led
the Golden Hawks to a Gold in volleyball (Grade 12), a Gold in
soccer (OAC), and a Silver in volleyball (OAC).
Ryan was chosen by the Minnesota Wild in the fourth round of
the 2004 NHL draft, 111th overall, after his final season with the
Maroons but opted to go to college instead. Ryan received a
Division I hockey scholarship to Miami University (Oxford,
Ohio) where he played for the RedHawks for four years (2005-
08) and was the team captain his final three seasons. Miami
played in two Central Collegiate Hockey Association
championship games and made the NCAA tournament three
times during his time. Ryan was named an All-American in his
senior season (2007-08) – joining Mel Wakabayashi
(Michigan), Herb Wakabayashi (Boston University) and Brian
Wiseman (Michigan) as the only All-Americans from Chatham.
Ryan was also the runner up for the Hobey Baker Trophy as the
top hockey player in the NCAA and was named Miami
University Athlete of the Year in his final season.

After his graduation, Ryan began his N.H.L. career playing for
the Nashville Predators (2008-09 and 2009-10),
and the Edmonton Oilers (2010-11 to 2013-14). In six seasons
Ryan compiled 54 goals and 46 assists in 334 career NHL
games. He also had stints in the American Hockey League with
the Houston Aeros, Milwaukee Admirals, Oklahoma City
Barons and Utica Comets. Ryan finished his pro career playing
five years (2014-19) with the Cologne Sharks in Germany.