Ryan Rupert, a forward from Grand Bend, Ontario, has carved out a notable career in professional hockey, marked by significant contributions to various teams in the ECHL and AHL. Known for his offensive capabilities and physical presence, Rupert has consistently demonstrated his value as a versatile player.
Early Career and Draft
A sixth-round selection (157th overall) of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Ryan Rupert began his journey toward professional hockey with high expectations. This early recognition set the stage for his future endeavors in both the AHL and ECHL.
AHL Experience
Rupert has played 149 games in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies and Binghamton Senators, logging 58 points (31 goals and 27 assists). This experience in a highly competitive league honed his skills and prepared him for a leadership role in the ECHL.
Indy Fuel: A Career Year
Joining his twin brother Matt in Indianapolis, forward Ryan Rupert skated to a career year with the Fuel in 2017-18. Ryan and Matt finished third and seventh respectively on the Fuel’s scoring list last season, combining for 36 goals and 53 points along with 210 penalty minutes during their first full season in Indianapolis together.
The fourth-year professional set personal bests in points, goals, assists and games played, while adding an additional goal and two assists in four Kelly Cup Playoff outings. Finishing the season fourth in team point scoring, Rupert tallied multiple points on 12 different occasions in 2017-18.
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2017-18 STATS: 65 GP, 17 G, 32 A, 49 PTS, 120 PIM, 7 PPG, 4 SHG, 4 GWG
Rupert proved to be a key performer in all situations for the Fuel, earning him the team's Most Valuable Player award at the end of the season.
The native of Grand Bend, Ontario tied for the team lead with seven power play goals, finished in a second place tie with four game-winning goals (including a pair of overtime winners in Cincinnati), and set a new franchise single-season record with four shorthanded goals.
The forward caught fire following the ECHL All-Star break, putting up eight goals and 11 assists over a 17 game span from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24. In addition to his offensive numbers, Rupert brought a heavy, physical edge to the Fuel lineup. Not afraid to mix things up, his 120 penalty minutes ranked third on the Indy roster behind Garrett Clarke and Reed Seckel.
In addition to his offensive impact, Ryan brought a physical presence to the Fuel lineup, finishing third on the team with 120 penalty minutes.
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"Just like his brother, he likes to have some fun out there and get under peoples' skin. They play the game the right way and they are so smart together - not only at 5-on-5 or on the power play but also on the PK.
Komets beat Indy Fuel 5-4 in overtime on first goal of season by Nick Deakin-Poot
Return to Indy Fuel
The Indy Fuel, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks and the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs, announced that they have signed forwards Ryan Rupert and Matt Rupert to contracts for the 2018-19 season.
The twin brothers make their return to Indy after starting the season with the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League. The 24-year-olds from Grand Bend, Ontario signed with the Steelers in the offseason, playing four games in the United Kingdom before being released from their contracts and returning to North America.
ECHL Career Totals
Entering his fourth professional season, Ryan has recorded 89 points (34 goals and 55 assists) and 165 penalty minutes in 118 ECHL games with the Fuel, Wichita Thunder and Orlando Solar Bears.
Matt begins the season ranked second in team history in both total games played (143) and goals (40), while his 77 points in a Fuel uniform rank third all-time.
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The third-year pro has accumulated 96 points (51 goals and 45 assists) and 194 penalty minutes in 196 total ECHL contests with Indy and the Orlando Solar Bears.
Ryan Rupert: Season-by-Season Statistics
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Indy Fuel | ECHL | 65 | 17 | 32 | 49 | 120 |
| ECHL Totals | 118 | 34 | 55 | 89 | 165 | ||
| AHL Totals | 149 | 31 | 27 | 58 | - | ||