Western Michigan University hockey star Ronnie Attard garnering attention
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University junior All-American defenseman Ronnie Attard is drawing a lot of attention these days. The 22-year-old star from White Lake, Michigan is making huge strides while moving closer to his ultimate destination of the NHL.
Western Michigan’s top blueliner was picked by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of 2019’s NHL draft. There is good reason for that. Attard is currently considered to be one of the best defensemen in college hockey and he continues to improve each year.
Attard has the physical dimensions to be successful at the highest level. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he’s got a solid frame for the game, yet should add some bulk. Even so, Attard is not afraid to mix it up on the ice, but the NHL is obviously on a different level.
The right-handed stickman made a huge breakthrough just prior to his enrollment at Western Michigan.
He participated in the WMU strength and conditioning program ahead of his 2018-19 campaign with the Tri-City Storm and took a quantum leap.
In the process he grew into a dangerous two-way player. Attard exploded for 30 goals and 35 assists over 48 games that season. He notched the highest plus-minus rating (+47) and he was chosen as top defenseman in the United States Hockey League.
He also was awarded USHL player of the year. Attard set a record for points tallied by a defenseman. Following that, he commenced his college career in the fall of 2019.
The accolades have continued to pile up since. Attard earned NCAA All-Rookie team honors after his 2019-20 campaign. Last year, he was voted as the No. 1 offensive defenseman in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. In addition, he was elected as a first team West All-American.
Beyond that he recorded a hat trick on Oct. 30 at Colgate, only the second defender in NCHC history to accomplish this feat. His dedication and progression show there isn’t much limit on his potential for the future.
From a scouting standpoint, Attard has the skill to help trigger a team’s offense. He shows a real zeal for the game. Additionally, he exhibits a shrewd instinct on the ice along with being an excellent passer. His sense of pace and timing are outstanding. He’s got a knack for knowing when to push forward or pull back, with an uncanny ability to disrupt the opponent’s attack.
Attard wields a wicked slap shot and has demonstrated a deft touch with his wrist shot. Ex-Broncos
head coach Andy Murray offered precious NHL experience during Attard’s first two seasons. Murray stepped down after last season and Attard is playing for a new boss behind the bench this fall.
Broad Street Hockey, a leading source that covers the Philadelphia Flyers gave him high praise:
“Attard has the ability to crack an NHL lineup, at least in a third pair role, and with his physical toolkit, he’s already not far away from being ready to do that. But, as we said, there’s room for him to push his upside even higher if he continues to polish his game.”
Plus, he could conceivably land in Philadelphia sooner than anticipated. As they expressed, “There could be a window for him to make the team as soon as next season.”
At this point, anything is possible.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
