by Dan Holland

For Broadview Heights native Ryan Rucinski, a dream of making it to the highest levels of the hockey world began by learning how to ice skate at the tender age of 2. 

“My dad played hockey, and at a young age he got me out on the ice and used to being on skates,” Rucinski, 18, said. “Ever since then, I’ve always loved it.”

He now has his sights set on going pro, as he’s a candidate for the 2025 NHL draft, which will take place June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

A recent high school graduate, Rucinski took online courses through a public school district in the Youngstown area. He attended Padua Franciscan High School during his freshman and sophomore years, then moved to live with a host family in Canfield, Ohio, where he played hockey for the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League during his junior year. 

“I should play [for the Phantoms] for three or four years – depending on what happens – and then go on to college. There’s a chance I’ll go to Ohio State next year, as I’m guessing it will be one more year with Youngstown, and then OSU. But that’s not official.” 

Rucinski committed to playing hockey for the Buckeyes at The Ohio State University on a Division-1 scholarship heading into his junior year, just prior to being drafted by the Phantoms.

But that’s not the only credit Rucinski has to his name. He won a gold medal for Team USA as one of 22 players USA Hockey selected for the 2024 U.S. Junior Select Team that participated in the World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta, held in December 2024. He scored two goals and had three assists in five games, including a goal in the championship game against Sweden, which aired on the NHL Network. 

As a center for the Phantoms, Rucinski had 42 points in 49 games – 19 goals and 23 assists – along with three goals in three postseason games, as he helped the team win the USHL Eastern Conference title.

Hockey runs in his family, as his dad, Jeff Rucinski, played hockey at Western Michigan University and subsequently played for a number of professional hockey teams, including the Cleveland Lumberjacks in 1998-1999.

Rucinski’s older cousin, Dylan Duke, was drafted in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Another older cousin, Tyler Duke, played hockey his freshman year at Ohio State University before transferring to play at the University of Michigan.

Siblings include brother, Kyle, a sophomore who plays for the varsity/prep hockey team at St. Ignatius High School, along with sisters, Raina – a figure skater – and Ella, who currently plays hockey for the U14 Lady Barons. The Broadview Heights family sets up an outdoor ice rink in its backyard every winter.

National Hockey League Central Scouting ranked Rucinski as the 204^th North American skater in their final 2025 rankings for the NHL draft, set to take place June 27-28.

“There’s a lot that can happen, and not everyone will get picked in the draft,” said Rucinski. “I’m just focusing on trying to get better every day, but if someone calls and I get drafted, that would be great. But I’m not going to get too worked up over that, because even if you don’t get picked, you can still make your way to the NHL.”“Obviously, I would like to be chosen in the draft,” he continued. “But if I can play out my college career, and then hopefully be able to sign a contract with a pro team, that would be my main goal.” 

Photo caption: Ryan Rucinski has his eyes on going pro – possibly during the June 27-28 NHL draft in Los Angeles. The 18-year-old currently plays for the Youngstown Phantoms but has a scholarship to The Ohio State University awaiting him as well. Photo submitted. 

“I matured as a person and a player from that,” Boumedienne said. “So that’s what I wanted to do at an early age, just to learn and develop and play against bigger players.”

Yet without his time in Columbus, Boumedienne said, that might not have even been an option.

“With the AAA Jackets, you get the opportunity to become an NHL player,” Boumedienne said.

Blue Jackets Roots

Before Boumedienne’s second season with the Under-16 team, Cannone – the newly minted U-16 team coach at the time – took the time to get breakfast with Sascha, Josef and Nick Petraglia, the executive vice president of the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.

“We kind of just got to know each other and laid out the goals we saw for him for the season. Those were my first impressions of Sascha,” Cannone said. “He was a very well-spoken kid. You can tell he was raised properly – he was humble. I think he knew in the back of his head that he was special, but he never came across as arrogant.”

Though Boumedienne has added more size and weight since his time with the AAA team, some things have stayed the same. He’s regarded as a terrific skater with superb offensive instincts. That was evident to Cannone before any scouting reports were put out.

“His edge work, his ability to run a power play and provide offense were elite,” Cannone said. “He has a very good one-timer, so any time he was able to get that off and showcase that also made him stand out. But the way he carried himself as a young kid at that level, not just with his play on the ice but off the ice, you could tell that he was special and different.”

Even as a thinner 15-year-old playing against much larger skaters, Boumedienne caught eyes. His skating – perhaps a result of the edgework he perfected with his dad, and extra skates he did in Columbus – carried him and his team further than they could have imagined. Cannone remembers a narrow overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres AAA team – ranked top five in the country – that wouldn’t have been close without Boumedienne.

“From then on, you know, it opened my eyes a little bit more of how special he was and his ability in those games against top teams to stand out,” Cannone said. “He was doing this all as a kid who was playing a birth year up. When you factor all those things in, you take a step back and you realize, ‘All right, this kid’s gonna be different than a lot of these other kids.’ And you see that firsthand.”

Perhaps Boumedienne’s talent is also an inherent consequence of being surrounded by the game of hockey. With his dad’s role on the Blue Jackets, Boumedienne spent much of his time in Columbus at Nationwide Arena with his brothers and friends.

“I have a ton of good memories from there, just strolling around the rink and watching NHL games. I had the chance to go down in the locker room every once in a while, which is pretty special, and talk to some of the players,” Boumedienne said. “Being able to do that is everyone’s childhood dream, right? That was one of the most fun things with moving to America.”

Boumedienne cited Zach Werenski as his favorite CBJ player growing up. As a defenseman, that’s not a bad role model to have.

With a front-row seat for some of the best hockey in the world, Boumedienne’s love for the game only further blossomed in Columbus. It helped that, with the AAA program, he got a second family.

“They treat their players so well,” Boumedienne said. “It’s an unreal organization. I made some really good friends, and we were on some teams with some really tight bonds, and we became really close.”

“We take a deeper approach into their development, and specifically what each player needs to succeed at the next level while also creating an environment of a team and community to succeed on and off the ice,” Cannone said.

The family atmosphere cultivated within the AAA program is infectious. At the mention of Cannone’s name, a massive smile erupted on Boumedienne’s face. It’s a testament to the people – from the ground up – that invest in the person first.

“It starts with Ed Gingher and Nick Petraglia,” Cannone said. “I think the program does a really good job of identifying the right people that coach and work within the program that are in it for the right reasons and want to help Columbus hockey grow. I think it separates the AAA Blue Jackets program from others, where the people that are involved genuinely care and want to see these kids not only succeed in hockey, but in life as well.”

Some of that family, Josef says, will be making the trip to Los Angeles next week for the draft.

“The passion grows every day when you’re around good people,” Josef said. “It’s been great for both (Sascha and Wilson), and then for myself and my whole family, quite frankly. We have a lot of friends we learned to know in the AAA program.”

Boumedienne’s still on the move – after his college season and U-18 World Championships, he had the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. He’ll soon get on a plane and head to Los Angeles for the draft, another step in a career that’s only just getting started.

The prospect of getting drafted by an NHL team excites him. The prospect of that team being the Blue Jackets?

“That’d be something special. Obviously living in Columbus and going to all those games, it feels like home,” Boumedienne said.

“For me, it would be really special,” Josef said. “I worked for this organization for 11 years, and that’s the longest tenure I’ve had with one team counting my playing career as well. I love the Columbus Blue Jackets. If that were to happen, that would be great.”

Hundreds of miles away, Cannone will be tuning into the draft, as will many others in Columbus. Boumedienne has called so many places home, but the AAA program is proud to have aided him on a big step in his hockey career.

“It means a lot that I got to play there,” Boumedienne said. “They do a really good job, and we had a blast playing there.”

“Columbus is an area where hockey’s been growing for a while now,” Cannone said. “We’re still continuing to grow. So it’s very rewarding to see the kids that grew up here (and) move here do big things, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice.”

WVU football fans don’t need anyone to tell them how dynamic Pat White and Tavon Austin were during their time as Mountaineers. However, the affirmation still has to be nice to see nonetheless.

CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford placed both White and Austin on his list of college football’s 25 most dynamic players of the last 25 years.

Below is what Crawford said about why Austin cracked his top 10.

“When former Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen assumed the play-calling role in 201, he did so with Austin as his not-so-secret weapon. Austin’s touches increased and so did his production as one of the fastest players in the country scored nine times on offense and twice on special teams. His senior campaign was even better — a nation-leading 114 receptions for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with 8.9 yards per carry and three kick return scores. In his collegiate finale, West Virginia beat Clemson, 70-33, in Miami thanks to Austin’s 280 total yards and four touchdowns.”

Only two spots behind, White checks in at No. 12 on the list.

“White, Steve Slaton and Austin … pick your poison. West Virginia had options over a multiyear stretch of offensive success in the late 2000s. At quarterback, White was the straw who stirred the drink for one of the nation’s leading rushing attacks, compiling 3,528 yards on the ground over his final three seasons with 40 touchdowns. Teams tried to keep the Mountaineers honest, but White was an efficient passer, too. Like Jackson, when White was one-on-one with a defender around the edge, he almost always made the first man miss en route to big yardage,” said Crawford.

Tavon Austin’s bio at WVU: 

Austin was a star at WVU from 2009-12, accumulating 4,446 scrimmage yards throughout his four years in Morgantown. Austin’s WVU highlight tape is what he will always be remembered for from his college days. The Baltimore, Md. native was untouchable when he was in the open field. Austin scored 15 touchdowns his senior year. He was a key part of record setting Orange Bowl winning team.

Pat White’s bio at WVU: 

As Mountaineers Nation is well aware, White is widely recognized as one of the most explosive and accomplished players in college football history. While at West Virginia, he was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year back-to-back seasons (2006-07). He led them to a 35-8 record and became the first quarterback to start and win four bowl games in program history.

Statistically, White threw for 6,051 yards and 56 touchdowns and ran for 4,480 yards and 47 scores on the ground, which set a then-NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback. White was honored a first-team All-Big East (2006-08) player three out of his four years as a starter in college. He was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

Related

The Evolving Landscape of College Football

In an era where college sports are undergoing seismic shifts, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss football program emerges as a beacon of resilience amidst the swirling currents of change. The landscape has transformed dramatically, driven by lucrative television contracts, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, and the recent implementation of revenue sharing. These developments have not only reshaped the financial framework of collegiate athletics but have also sparked intense discussions about the future of various sports programs across the nation.

Navigating Financial Pressures

As athletic departments grapple with the implications of a staggering $2.8 billion revenue sharing model, many institutions are reevaluating their financial commitments. The pressure to balance budgets has led some schools to make difficult decisions, including cutting funding for non-revenue sports. This trend raises critical questions about the sustainability of athletic programs that do not generate significant income, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for these teams and their athletes.

Kiffin, however, has made it clear that Ole Miss is committed to maintaining a robust athletic program that supports all its sports. His leadership reflects a broader philosophy that values the holistic development of student-athletes and recognizes the importance of diverse sports offerings in enriching the university experience.

The Role of NIL in Shaping Programs

The introduction of NIL agreements has added another layer of complexity to college athletics. These deals allow student-athletes to profit from their personal brand, fundamentally altering the traditional dynamics of recruitment and team composition. Kiffin’s approach to embracing these changes has positioned Ole Miss as an appealing destination for top talent, as the program actively seeks to leverage NIL opportunities to enhance its competitiveness.

While some may view NIL as a potential disruptor, Kiffin sees it as an opportunity to attract and retain exceptional athletes who can elevate the program’s status. His forward-thinking mindset not only benefits the football team but also sets a precedent for other sports within the university, encouraging a culture of innovation and adaptability.

A Commitment to Inclusivity in Athletics

The potential fallout from revenue sharing and budget cuts has prompted many to question the long-term viability of certain athletic programs. However, Kiffin’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all sports at Ole Miss stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend. By advocating for a comprehensive athletic strategy, he aims to ensure that every student-athlete has the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive, regardless of their sport’s revenue-generating potential.

This vision aligns with the university’s broader mission to foster a well-rounded educational environment, where athletic participation plays a vital role in personal development and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

As the college sports landscape continues to evolve, Lane Kiffin’s leadership at Ole Miss exemplifies a proactive approach to navigating these challenges. His commitment to maintaining a diverse athletic program while adapting to the realities of modern college sports underscores the importance of resilience and innovation in the face of uncertainty.

The future of Ole Miss athletics, particularly under Kiffin’s guidance, is poised to reflect a balance between financial sustainability and a dedication to nurturing talent across all sports. As the dialogue surrounding revenue sharing and its implications unfolds, Ole Miss stands firm, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead while remaining steadfast in its support for every athlete on its roster.

With more prospects electing to return to school because of NIL, NBA teams may be wondering whether they can do anything to reverse that trend. The answer might involve issuing more draft promises.

Every year, at least one or two prospects abruptly pull out the predraft workout circuit and shut themselves down until draft night. That’s often because a team has promised to pick them if they’re still on the board at that spot, and the prospect is comfortable with the team fit, the draft slot or both.

This year, there’s some suspicion that Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis has a promise.

“There hasn’t been a single word out on him,” Hoops HQ’s Krysten Peek recently wrote. “His draft range is anywhere from 6-16, and there’s a feeling that he left the draft combine with a promise.”

Draft promises aren’t binding, so some prospects might not be willing to gamble on keeping their name in the draft unless they get assurances from multiple teams. However, any team that reneges on a promise would risk ruining their reputation with the prospect’s agent, which could affect other moves of theirs down the road. (In other words, that isn’t likely to happen.)

If a prospect has a guaranteed NIL bag awaiting him in college, promising to take him at a draft slot that pays him even more might be the best way to keep him in the draft.

Nancy Parrish is the former chair of the Ringling Museum Foundation.

But years before that, she was a St. Petersburg kid who loved visiting the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota with her family.

“As kids, we used to climb those banyan trees before there was security around,” Parrish said. “It’s really part of our growing up.”

Parrish said this nostalgic sentiment toward the museum is something she shares with many in the greater Tampa Bay region. It is also one of the reasons why more than 2,500 people joined the non-profit group Citizens to Protect the Ringling.

“It was because of their own personal feelings toward the Ringling and what it means to us individually and to our community,” said Parrish, the group’s president.

A proposal to transfer control of the Ringling Museum from Florida State University to New College of Florida was not included in this year’s legislative budget.

Gov. Ron DeSantis had proposed the transfer in February, and Citizens to Protect the Ringling formed in the same month to advocate against the move.

ALSO READ: Citizens to Protect the Ringling fights against a plan to transfer ownership to New College

Parrish said the group watched the session closely to see if the proposal ended up in the budget. Lawmakers finally approved the spending plan this week, about six weeks after the originally scheduled end of session.

“We were sure that the Ringling transfer was not included in the final legislative budget,” she said. “And so once it passed and the legislature ended their session, we were aware.”

Parrish said members were excited that the “iconic” cultural institution would remain independent. Many of them had worked daily since mid-February, when they learned there would be an attempt to slide what Parrish called a “harmful transfer” into the budget process.

“It was a great victory for the Gulf Coast community, from Tampa Bay down to Venice and beyond,” she said. “And so it was quite a relief.”

Parrish said when nine former board chairs, donors and community leadership got together to write an open letter back in February, most of them had “little hope” they could succeed.

They weren’t sure they would be able to prevent the takeover. Still, Parrish said she knew they needed to do everything possible to prevent it from happening.

“We were surprised at the community response,” she said. “It was absolutely heroic when thousands of community members came together, wrote letters, made phone calls, visited our legislative delegation and packed a town hall meeting.”

ALSO READ: If any higher education merger happens in Sarasota, USF wants to take the lead

But Parrish believes DeSantis and New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran will try to transfer control of the Ringling Museum in the future.

So she said her organization will remain active, continuing to communicate with legislators about where the community stands on the subject.

Parrish hopes this will prevent future action and make sure that the region’s interests remain in their hands.

“It is a little frustrating and disappointing, I must say, that we as a citizenry have to work so hard to convince our legislators that our economic and community priorities must take precedence,” she said.

Parrish attributed the victory to the citizens who refused to let a world-class cultural institution be put at risk through a “backroom deal.”

“There’s work ahead, and I think donors are reasonably also concerned that this is a temporary situation and that we’ve got to be concerned about the future and be aware,” she said.