On Wednesday August 19th, the Indy Fuel announced the re-signing of American defensemen Jake Ryczek. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. With that being said, Ryczek, 22-years-old, will be joining the Fuel for his second straight season.
Taking a look at last season, Ryczek scored only four goals along with 13 assists which made for 17 points. While also adding on eight penalty minutes, he managed to do so in 46 games. Ryczek, a right-handed shooter, also recorded a Plus/Minus rating of +6.
Before he made the jump to pro hockey, the native of Springfield, MA spent two seasons playing in the QMJHL. He did so for the Halifax Mooseheads where he scored 16 goals along with 44 assists. While adding on 48 penalty minutes, he managed to do so in 84 games.
The 5’11 defensemen was originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks. He was chosen 203rd overall in the draft’s seventh round back in 2016. Ryczek spent the 2019-20 season between the ECHL and the American Hockey League. There, he skated with the Rockford Icehogs before being assigned back to the Indy Fuel.