The Neepawa Natives are pleased to announce that Ryin Allison has joined their team for the 2010-2011 season.
Allison was in the middle of an excellent rookie campaign last year with Melville of the SJHL, and was felled by a broken bone - which has healed completely.
The 6 foot, 190 pound forward was in Neepawa recently, and committed to the team by signing.
The former captain of the Yorkton Harvest of the SMAAAHL is a hard nosed and high energy player who has a great work ethic and scoring touch.
"Ryin is a great kid who battles hard and has a very good ability to play physical and to also contribute offensively," commented Natives' coach Bryant Perrier. "When Ryin broke a bone last year, he had just come off a stretch in the SJHL where he had put up 5 points in 4 games."
"This game is about identifying available talent and recruiting that talent, and that is what we have done here with Ryin."
It is not a coincidence that Allison is the 5th former 'C wearing' captain that The Natives have inked in the past six signings.
As a matter of fact, Coach Perrier says that Allison's leadership will be a vital component of life with The Natives.
"This is a very good kid, who has the ability to come in and fortify a very good group of people in our room who are leading our team," Perrier said. "When you start bringing in guys who have led rooms, they really make a difference."
Perrier expects Allison to step into a key role with The Natives.
"Ryin Allison is joining a very good group of forwards," said the coach. "But, we brought him in here to do what he does best. He battles hard, he skates well, he works hard and he is a very difficult guy to play against."
"Last season he was one of the guys in the SJHL we identified as the type we want here. To be able to have him join our program is great."
Experience was also a factor in the decision.
"Ryin had a half a season at the junior A level and proved he can put up numbers at that level. That is invaluable to our group," Perrier said. "He is a great kid with a desire to learn and get better, but he already has reference points for what it takes."
A fitness fanatic, Perrier says Allison is currently in mid season form.
"Ryin is ultra committed and really works hard. He is the new breed of player we have continued to target in this program - a guy who works hard and has the highest level of character."
