Terry Ryan: From NHL Dreams to Shoresy Stardom

Terry Ryan, a former NHL player and current star of the comedy series "Shoresy," is set to participate in the Shoresy Fall Classic on December 10 at UBS Arena on Long Island. This event is part of a multi-stop tour across Canada and the United States, where Ryan and his castmates, all of whom are hockey players, face off against NHL alumni. Ryan expressed enthusiasm for the event, particularly highlighting his friendship with retired NHL player Aaron Asham, stating, "Aaron Asham is one of my best friends in the world."

ESPN

Ryan's path to success in the entertainment industry has been unconventional. He was drafted eighth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1995 but only played eight games in the NHL due to injuries. Following his brief NHL career, Ryan spent six seasons in the AHL and continued to pursue opportunities in film and television. He earned an arts degree in folklore and English, which included a film studies certificate, and worked various roles in the industry, including location scouting and production assistance.

ESPN

His breakthrough came when he met actor Jason Momoa while working on the Netflix series "Frontier." Momoa offered Ryan stunt gigs, leveraging Ryan's hockey background and unique appearance. This connection eventually led to Ryan landing the role of Ted Hitchcock in "Letterkenny," which paved the way for his current success in "Shoresy."

ESPN

"Shoresy," which is a spin-off of "Letterkenny," has gained significant popularity, allowing Ryan and his cast to engage with fans through live hockey games. Ryan noted the unique atmosphere of these games, where fans cheer for both teams, creating a supportive environment despite the cast's losing record. He remarked, "Even though we lose -- we've been losing most of the games -- we're not getting blown out, and I think people walk away with an appreciation that, you know, we're all actors in the show, but we're all hockey players."

ESPN

Ryan's participation in the Shoresy Fall Classic reflects the show's cultural impact and its ability to connect hockey with entertainment. The event has garnered attention not only for its comedic elements but also for its celebration of hockey culture. Ryan's journey illustrates how a passion for hockey can evolve into a successful career in entertainment, despite the challenges faced along the way.

ESPN

While Ryan's transition from player to actor has been celebrated, some critics argue that the commercialization of hockey through entertainment may detract from the sport's authenticity. However, Ryan maintains that the event fosters a genuine appreciation for hockey, emphasizing the skills and camaraderie among the cast and fans.

ESPN

• “It's a very unique experience. I don't know if I've ever come across anything like it whereby the fans are cheering for both teams,” — Terry Ryan, Actor and Former NHL Player

ESPN

• “I had no tooth, Momoa said, 'Keep the tooth out. I can get you some stunt gigs.' Ryan's” — Terry Ryan, on his early career in Hollywood

ESPN

• “we're not out there trying to hurt each other or anything, but it's a step up from a regular shinny game.” — Terry Ryan, on the level of play in the Shoresy games

ESPN

Ryan's story exemplifies the intersection of sports and entertainment, showcasing how passion and perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities.

ESPN