OHL Alumni – Beyond the Rink: Ryan Thompson

Former OHL Team: Guelph Storm

Years in the OHL: 2000-2003

Current Occupation: Owner/CEO of RELM Sports Academy

Ryan Thompson has turned his passion for hockey into a lifelong career dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes.

After his time in the Ontario Hockey League, Thompson continued playing hockey professionally, suiting up for the Niagara Falls Canucks (GHL) and the Jacksonville Barracudas (SPHL) before finishing his playing career at the Royal Military College. In his final OHL season with the Guelph Storm, Thompson earned both the Guelph Storm Leadership Award and the Fay Scott Memorial Award during the 2002-03 campaign, recognition of the leadership and character he brought to the organization.

Today, Thompson remains deeply involved in the game as the Owner and CEO of RELM Sports Academy, where he helps student-athletes balance academics and hockey development. The academy supports students in Grades 6-12 from around the world who also compete with the Wranglers Hockey Club, while additionally offering on-ice development, skatemill programming, and tournaments throughout Eastern Ontario.

 

From the Ice to Industry

For Thompson, the transition into his current career path was a natural one. 

“It kept me in hockey.”

That passion for the sport has continued to shape his professional journey and the opportunities he now provides for young athletes pursuing their own goals both on and off the ice.

 

A Student of the Game and Beyond

Following his OHL career, Thompson attended the University of Waterloo, Brock University, and the Royal Military College of Canada. Reflecting on the impact the OHL had on his life, Thompson says the league played a major role in helping open educational doors for him and his family.

“The league supported me financially, and I was the first person in my family to go to University due to this.”

 

Shaped by the Game

For Thompson, the lessons, specifically preparation and leadership, learned during his junior hockey career continue to influence the way he approaches both life and business today. Those values have become central to the culture he now tries to build through RELM Sports Academy and its development programs.

 

A Memorable Moment

“Hosting the Memorial Cup in Guelph in 2002.”

 

An Enduring Influence

Thompson credits several coaches and teammates from his OHL days as having a lasting impact on his development.

“Coach Jeff Jackson, Coach Shawn Camp and Coach Jason Brooks. All of my teammates.”

 

Life Today

Today, Thompson says he is most proud of building RELM Sports Academy, a business rooted in both hockey and family. 

“Starting RELM Sports, which stands for my family, Ryan, Erin (wife), Libby (daughter), and Molly (daughter).”

Through RELM Sports Academy, Thompson continues to help young athletes pursue their goals while creating opportunities for personal growth, education, and development both on and off the ice.

 

His Message to Current Players

“Pursue your passion!”

 

About RELM Sports

“We started in 2009, and after rebranding in 2018, we reintroduced RELM Sports. We are a family company based in Kingston, Ontario. Our philosophy is simple: provide a great experience through sport and encourage players of all levels to return to their sport as often as they can.  RELM stands for Ryan Erin Libby Molly (our family members’ names). We offer tournaments, teams, camps, and clinics for various sports.  We are incredibly grateful for our involvement in sports and love that we can offer opportunities for you and your family to participate! We believe that sports should be fun.”

 

Learn More & Connect

• RELM Sports: relmsports.com