Ryerson Leenders commits to Steelheads

Mississauga, Ont. – The Mississauga Steelheads are excited to announce the signing of goaltender Ryerson Leenders to a Standard Player Agreement.

The Steelheads selected the goalie at 32nd overall, making Leenders the first goaltender to be picked in this year’s draft. Standing at 6’0”, 155lb, Leenders played in net for the U16 Toronto Nationals. The Nanticoke, Ontario native also participated in the GTHL Top Prospects Game on March 1.

Leenders commented on the signing. “I am really excited to be a part of such a great organization and I can’t wait to get started.”

Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond spoke on signing the second rounder “Ryerson may have the fastest legs of any goalie in this ‘06 age group. He battles hard every game and finds a way to give his teams a chance to win. Our goalie coach, Chris Beckford-Tseau, had his eyes on Ryerson all season and really believes he is a special talent. We can’t wait to see Ryerson in the blue and white very soon. We’d like to welcome Ryerson and his family to the Steelheads family.”

The last time the Steelheads selected a goalie in the second round was Jacob Ingham in 2016. Ingham went on to win the Eastern Conference Championship in the 2016-17 season with the Mississauga Steelheads and was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Kings in 2018.

Leenders is known to be a hard-working goalie who can make big saves when it counts. He stays calm and collected under pressure and uses his athleticism to his advantage.

“[Leenders] is the best goalie in the draft,” stated Steelheads goalie coach, Chris Beckford-Tseau, “He’s athletic and a natural puck stopper with NHL potential. I’m really excited to start working with him.”