Michael Ryder is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on March 31, 1980, in Newfoundland, Canada, and began his hockey career playing for the Hull Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Ryder was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the eighth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-2004 season and quickly established himself as a skilled forward with a powerful shot. He played for the Canadiens for four seasons, scoring 30 or more goals in two of those seasons.
In 2008, Ryder signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent. He played for the Bruins for three seasons, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2011. Ryder played a key role in the Bruins' playoff run, scoring eight goals and adding nine assists in 25 games.
After his time with the Bruins, Ryder played for several other NHL teams, including the Dallas Stars, the Montreal Canadiens (for a second stint), the New Jersey Devils, and the Minnesota Wild. He also played briefly in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
Throughout his NHL career, Ryder was known for his scoring ability and his powerful shot. He scored 30 or more goals in a season three times and finished his career with 241 goals and 254 assists in 806 games. He also played in 73 playoff games, scoring 16 goals and adding 19 assists.
Ryder retired from professional hockey in 2017. Since then, he has been involved in coaching and player development, working with young players in his hometown of St. John's, Newfoundland. He has also been active in charity work, supporting organizations such as the Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Overall, Michael Ryder had a successful career in the NHL, playing for several teams and helping the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011. He was known for his scoring ability and his powerful shot, and he remains a respected figure in the hockey community.
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