During the 2015 NHL Draft, the Seattle Thunderbirds’ own Ryan Gropp was chosen to play for the New York Rangers. The contract is a three-year entry contract with the team, an exciting opportunity for any player. He was chosen during the second round of draft picks, making the 41^st pick of all during the event. The draft occurred in Sunrise, Florida. Gropp, who wears the #12 jersey, stands at 6’2 and weighs 189 pounds. He was born on September 16, 1996 and is from Kamloops, BC.

Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell beamed that the team is very excited to see Gropp reach this goal in his career. “He has been working hard to get his game ready for the pro level and it great to see him rewarded in this way.” Gropp has had a great season, pleasing fans as well as his coach as a left winger on the T-Birds, and now we know that the pros have taken notice, too.

Gropp has been with the Thunderbirds since 2013, appearing in 160 games with the team during the regular season. Currently averaging a point per game with the Birds, he has scored a total of 66 goals during his three seasons with the team. Funnily enough, his assists total the same number, giving him a total point value of 132. It is no wonder the NHL took notice with stats like these. Gropp has had 90 penalty minutes overall. During the playoffs, Gropp has made 15 appearances, scoring two goals and making 10 assists for a total of 12 points. He has had eight penalty minutes during the playoff games.

Gropp has played with several teams during his career. In 2011 he played for the Kamloops Blazers Bantam A1-T1 team, where he scored 128 points in 58 games. He also played with the OHA Midget Prep, Okanagan Hockey Academy Prep and Penticton Vees of the BCHL.

Seattle Fans will always think of Gropp as a T-Bird, but they can also keep up with him via Twitter at @Gropper8. You can follow to see his photos, news stories, videos and other information while he transitions from being a T-Bird to his big move to the pros.

Are you excited to see Gropp go so far in his career? Do you think he will be an asset to the Rangers, or that the team is a good fit for the player? Discuss the acquisition in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia