INCH's A to Z: Niagara's Ryan Rashid

Click here to read Ken McMillan's story on the Inside College Hockey website.

RYAN RASHID
Niagara
So. | RW | Farmington Hills, Mich.

Key Statistics: Rashid enjoyed a successful freshman season, ranking fourth among Atlantic Hockey rookies in points (26) and second in goals (13). Five of his tallies came on the power play and three proved to be game winners. Rashid played with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League in 2009-10 when he posted 11 goals and 11 assists in 57 games. He had four power play goals and three game-winners that season.

What He Does: Rashid is a bruising 6-foot-2, 198-pound forward who can shoot the puck, utilizing a slap shot and a snap shot. He’s a very good skater for his size, which serves him well when he finishes checks and fends off defenders down low in the zone. Rashid was utilized as a second-line player during his rookie season and toiled on Niagara’s No. 2 power play unit. By season’s end, his booming shot was too good to pass up, so coach Dave Burkholder placed him on the right point with the first man-up unit, and that shouldn’t change.

The Bigger Picture: The Purple Eagles took a chance by placing three rookies together on a line and came out looking great. The trio of Rashid, center Patrick Divjak, and left winger Scott Arnold developed great chemistry last season and should remain intact this year. Niagara coach Dave Burkholder believes “the NHL window is not closed” on this kid.

Niagara coach Dave Burkholder on Rashid: “He’s a power forward first with his size, but he can probably shoot it as well as anyone we’ve had in the program. He’s a mix between power and skill.”