History of Ryan Leonard (ice hockey) in Timeline

Ryan Leonard is a promising American ice hockey player currently playing for the Washington Capitals in the NHL. He was drafted eighth overall by the Capitals in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, Leonard played college hockey at Boston College, showcasing his talent and potential.

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Full Timeline

2001: Father becomes coach for UMass Minutemen

In 2001, Ryan Leonard's father, John Sr., became an assistant coach for the UMass Minutemen basketball team

January 21, 2005: Ryan Leonard's Birth

On January 21, 2005, Ryan Leonard was born. He is an American professional ice hockey player.

2005: Father's Coaching Role Ends

In 2005, Ryan Leonard's father, John Sr., finished his tenure as an assistant coach for the UMass Minutemen basketball team, a role he held since 2001.

2009: Cam Atkinson's Seasons

In 2009, Cam Atkinson had the first of two consecutive 30-goal seasons.

2010: Cam Atkinson's Seasons

In 2010, Cam Atkinson had the second of two consecutive 30-goal seasons.

2022: IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2022, Ryan Leonard represented the United States at the IIHF World U18 Championships, recording five goals and one assist in six games and winning a silver medal.

December 16, 2023: Named to US National Junior Team

On December 16, 2023, Ryan Leonard was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

2023: IIHF World U18 Championships Gold Medal

In 2023, Ryan Leonard again represented the United States at the IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded eight goals and nine assists in seven games. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime of the championship game against Sweden to help team USA win a gold medal.

2023: College Ice Hockey at Boston College

In 2023, Ryan Leonard began his college ice hockey career at Boston College. During his freshman year he recorded 31 goals and 29 assists in 41 games.

2023: Drafted to the NHL

In 2023, Ryan Leonard was selected eighth overall by the Washington Capitals in the NHL entry draft. He also played college ice hockey at Boston College.

2024: Gold Medal at World Junior Championships

In 2024, Ryan Leonard played in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded three goals and three assists in seven games and won a gold medal.

2024: All-Star Team Selections

In 2024, following his freshman year, Ryan Leonard was named to the All-Hockey East Second Team, Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and an AHCA East Second Team All-American.

March 31, 2025: Signs with Washington Capitals

On March 31, 2025, Ryan Leonard signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals.

2025: World Junior Championships Gold Medal

In 2025, Ryan Leonard again represented the United States at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he served as team captain and recorded five goals and five assists in seven games and won a gold medal. He was subsequently named the inaugural Murray Costello World Junior Championship MVP award winner.