The Interview File: Chatting with Ranger Prospect Ryan Bourque

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Drafted in the third round by the New York Rangers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, forward Ryan Bourque begins his journey to the National Hockey League with much pressure on him due to his father Ray's illustrious career as a Boston Bruin, and also that famed raising of the cup as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. But Ryan is on his way to establishing himself for who he is, not for who his father is. Since joining the Blueshirts organization, Ryan has won a Gold Medal in the World Junior Tournament last January, and also had an excellent rookie year in the QMJHL. He is one of the core prospects that the Rangers have in their possession and is also a very large part of the club's future.

Ryan was kind enough to chat with us about several different topics including having his Dad as a coach, that amazing run to Gold last year with Team USA, and also this year's Traverse City Prospects Tournament and training camp.

Nick Montemagno: Obviously your last name already has a lot of meaning in the National Hockey League due to your father Ray’s tremendous Hall of Fame career. Do you feel that there is a little more pressure on you than other youngsters looking to begin their career at the NHL level because of that? Or do you see that as an advantage?

Ryan Bourque: There has been pressure on me ever since I was a young boy playing hockey, but it is something that I have learned to use to my advantage. My dad was a hall of fame defenseman and if I were able to accomplish half the things he did in my career I would be very pleased. I'm just trying to make my own name for myself as Ryan Bourque, not Ray Bourque's son.


NM: How was it to have your Dad as a coach throughout your Pee Wee and Bantam years? Not everyone has one of the greatest players of all time constantly giving them pointers as they develop their game.

RB: To be able to have my dad as a coach throughout my minor hockey years is something I feel very fortunate about. It was surreal to have him there in practice helping me out with little things, but I think the most important things I have learned from my dad have been off the ice about being a good person and teammate.


NM: Last January you were a part of Team USA’s incredible Gold Medal championship in the World Junior tournament. Talk about that experience and how it felt to defeat the rival Canadians in the final match of the tourney.

RB: When we beat Canada in the finals last year it is still a blur to think about to this day. To win with the 22 guys next to me I could not have thought of a better way to end that tourney. I grew up playing with all those guys and to do it in a great hockey country and against a rival like Canada made it even better.


NM: How would you describe the type of hockey player you are in terms of style? Is there a certain player in the NHL that you try to model your game after?

RB: I think I am a two way forward that provides a lot of energy in all assets of the game. I see the ice well and can find my linemates when they're open. I am reliable defensively against team's top players. In terms of a player I envy in the NHL I would have to say Zach Parise with the effort he brings night in and night out and his second and third efforts on pucks.


NM: This coming September you will take part in the Rangers’ preseason training camp as well as the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. What are your expectations heading in and what are you looking to accomplish?

RB: This September I plan on having a very good experience at Traverse City. I think we have a great group of guys there with tremendous potential. Following that I hope to get another chance to participate in the Rangers main camp and hopefully get a chance to play in some exhibition games.


NM: In the future, how do you see yourself fitting into the Rangers roster? What type of role do you plan to take on?

RB: I'm the type of player and teammate to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful and wherever the Rangers need me to fit in I will take on that role with great pleasure.


NM: Last year you had a standout season in the QMJHL. Do you feel like that league has prepared you well for the NHL? How far out do you think you are from making the jump to the big leagues?

RB: The Q has been a great league to help prepare me for the NHL, and I am very fortunate to be playing in the organization I am, with great coaches and teammates. I plan on having a very successful season this year and trying to make the jump after having a productive summer after this year.


NM: Lastly, concussions have caused you some trouble in the past. Are you worried about that going forward?

RB: No concussions are not a problem for me. I have had two minor ones in my career and hope to never have one again.

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Huge thanks to Ryan for doing this. He has had an extremely busy schedule the past month but still found the time to get back to me with answers to all of my questions. Ryan happens to be one of my favorite Ranger prospects because of his non-stop effort and drive. In short time, we should see him in Ranger blue.