‘Be a Budd Collective’: Blades prospect Budd making hockey more inclusive
Whoever said there’s only 24 hours in a day never mentioned that to Saskatoon Blades prospect Ryley Budd. The 16-year-old netminder is balancing practicing with the big club, school, and being one of the best goalies in the Canadian Sport School Hockey U18 League (CSSHL) in his sophomore season.
With all that on his plate, Budd’s biggest contribution has been raising money for SuperHEROS Hockey, a free adaptive program for youths with cognitive and physical challenges, through his BeABudd Collective.
“ The success we’ve seen this year is amazing,” said Budd, whose collective has raised $18,000 and counting so far this season, “We’re hoping we can finish this last push and raise $20,000 by the end of the season.”
The collective features a growing network of goalies, players, coaches and sponsors rallying behind the cause. With funds raised from sponsors for every save and shutout from Budd this season with Edge School Prep U18, the entire collective has brought in over $18,000—and counting.
“It’s pretty rare for a high-level athlete at Ryley’s age to put such an emphasis on charity and giving back,” said Blades general manager and president, Colin Priestner, “It’s a big part of our culture to give back to the community, and to see Ryley’s effort and care for his BeABudd Collective and SuperHEROES hockey is special. We’re very lucky to have a person like him in our organization.”
The Calgary, AB native began volunteering with SuperHEROS when he was 13 years-old and skates with their young athletes any time he can. Budd says his idol Henrik Lundqvist inspired him to find a way to give back in the sport.
“He had a foundation and tried to help kids,” said Budd, “Then, after Kevin Hodgson (Executive Director, HEROS Hockey) gave me a presentation about what HEROS was all about, I knew that was the program I wanted to help.”
Budd raised $5,000 during his first season with HEROS Hockey during the 2022-23 season. The money helped send a team of 15 SuperHEROS players to their first tournament in Ontario. The 6-foot netminder was named Hockey Alberta Player of the Year for his efforts, earning another $1,000 for the program.
“It still feels a little crazy,” said Budd, “The first year I expected maybe $1,000 if I was lucky. To be where it’s at now, it feels unbelievable.”
Budd set his sights on raising $10,000 throughout the 2023-24 season. With sponsors EnerCorp, DLR Vinyl, Adrenalin Source for Sports and the Meyer family on board, the Blades second-round pick of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft founded the #BeABudd initiative and blew past his goal. Budd raised $15,000 to bring 80 kids to Calgary for the SuperHEROS Spring Friendship Series.
Budd’s developed bonds with many of the kids through HEROS Hockey, none stronger than his connection with Harrison Markin, who lives with autism and plays SuperHEROS hockey.
“We play video games at the house, we’ve gone to Hitman games, all that sort of stuff,” said Budd, “All the kids there, they’re so special. They’re so happy on the ice, and seeing that is really what makes me feel like this is what I want to do. This sport’s been a huge part of my life, so I want to make sure that they can experience that too.”
This year, Ryley expanded his efforts by creating the #BeABudd Collective, a growing network of goalies, players, and coaches rallying behind the cause. The money raised will help send the SuperHEROS players to Anaheim, CA in April for the American Special Hockey Association’s tournament.
“It’s all about growing the collective and growing the sport,” said Budd, “We’re really happy with how it’s been going. There’s been goalies, players, and even coaches who have volunteered from all around Calgary and even bigger in Alberta. We’re hoping to expand further as the years come, but they’ve all volunteered to help out and raise money on their own.”
At just 16 years old, Budd’s helped raise more than $40,000 for HEROS Hockey. He hopes fellow hockey players around his age know the impact giving back can have on their community.
“Don’t underestimate yourself when you’re trying to help others and do good,” said Budd, “At the start for me, it was just an idea and something that might or might not work. If you have an idea and want to try and do something good, just go for it.”
“Believe in yourself and don’t overthink it. You’re doing something good. That’s important. That’s what matters.”
Join the #BeABudd Collective and be a part of something bigger than hockey. Every donation before the end of the regular season supports SuperHEROS and their love for the game. If you’d like to donate, click HERE
