Ryan Lin, a 5‑foot‑11 right‑handed defenseman from Richmond, British Columbia, heard his name called at the NHL draft, marking the latest milestone in a season that saw him tally 14 goals and 43 assists for the Vancouver Giants.
A Rising Star's Path
After the draft, Lin will join Denver University, where he will line up against his close friend Daxon Rudolph. He cited the school’s demanding environment and winning culture as key factors in his decision.
Lin’s international résumé includes two appearances at the under‑18 World Juniors with Team Canada, and he has skated alongside other Sharks prospects such as Keaton Verhoeff and Colton Roberts.
Proud of his mixed Japanese and Taiwanese heritage, Lin hopes to serve as a role model for Asian athletes in hockey, a cause he champions both on and off the ice.
Off the rink, he credits a recent box lacrosse tournament in San Jose with sharpening his hand‑eye coordination and cardio, a skill set that he says translates directly to defensive play.
The budding defenseman is also close with fellow draft pick Keaton Verhoeff, having shared numerous Canada‑wide events together, and he recently appeared in a documentary alongside Michael Bublé and Drew Scott that chronicled their joint ownership of the Vancouver Giants.
With a blend of elite skating, disciplined work ethic, and a commitment to representation, Lin is poised to make an impact at Denver and beyond, aiming to carve a lasting legacy in the sport.