More and more players are discovering what it means to be #unitedinred.

YOUR Renegades Development program coupled with the team’s recent success on the ice continues to attract top-level talent to the organization.

One of the new players this season is defenceman Kiran Ryan.

Kiran comes from the Mississauga Reps organization, and was particularly attracted to the program being run by head coach Darryl Lloyd.

“My experience with the Renegades so far has been nothing but positive,” Ryan said. “The professional approach taken by Coach Lloyd and his staff has helped me a lot.”

Ryan, a left-shot defenceman who plays left or right side comfortably, strives every game to be on the plus side of the “plus/minus” ledger.

Ryan takes pride in taking care of business in his own end and his skating ability allows him to jump into the rush on offence. As a player, he’s the ultimate reverse hockey mullet —  “business” at the back; “party” at the front.

His inspiration for playing defence comes from legends such as Bobby Orr (from whom he takes his jersey number) and Nicklas Lidstrom, and current greats such Roman Josi and Cale Makar.

The young defenceman credits his hockey development to mentors Jason Ricci, Adam Henrich, Stephon Thorne and Brian McClaughlin, among others, and to his current Renegade coaches — Lloyd, defence coach Alex Lepore and assistant coach Yash Varadarasa.

Ryan also thanks his parents, Joe and Neeta, and brother Bodhi for their unwavering support. He often thinks of his grandfather Don, a hockey coach himself, when he hits the ice. One of his grandfather’s favourite sayings when describing a good defensive pairings was “On D, ya need a ‘lugger’, and a ‘slugger’”. Ryan takes pride in being both, as needed.

Ryan is excited to be with the Renegades and looks forward to helping the team in its chase for the Russell Cup!