Sydney Bears’ captain Ryan Annesley made his 100th appearance for the Australian Ice Hockey League club on Saturday. The smooth-skating defenseman has been a vital part of the Bears’ organisation since joining the club in 2016.
Annesley’s journey to the AIHL is different from most. “I had a couple of college teammates who had moved to Singapore,” Annesley explains.
“Their boss was a big hockey fan and would fly players over for tournaments to play in Asia.
“There was an Australian team playing coached by Ron Kuprowsky. After the game, we were having some beers, and he asked if I would be interested in playing in Australia.”
Following that conversation, Annesley emailed the Bears Head Coach at the time, Vlad Rubes. However, Annesley didn’t receive a reply.
The following season, in 2016, Ron Kuprowsky was appointed Head Coach. Shortly after, Kuprowsky contacted Annesley and invited him to join the team, which Annesley accepted.
“I only expected to be here for six months to a year,” Annesley recalled. “I never thought I would be here eight years later.”
It is no coincidence that the Bears’ resurgence has coincided with Annesley’s time with the team. “He stands out, possesses that touch of class,” Bears’ Governor Nathan Graham stated.
“I remember attending my first game in 2017, and his ability to play heads-up, skate and create was obvious – he looked the most comfortable and composed guy out there, dictating play and a step ahead.
“Ryzer [Ryan Annesley] has been an enormous component of our group for a long time now – the engine room, essentially. Anyone familiar with Bears hockey would likely say the same.”
New Bears’ Head Coach Tyler Huberty has been similarly impressed with Annesley in a short amount of time. “He’s a very valuable player – strong defensively, good with the puck, and he plays a very smart veteran game.
“He always makes the smart play, always has his head up, and plays a smart game at all three levels,” Huberty continued. “When I see him play, he has the skills of a stay-at-home defenseman. But he also contributes offensively and is always a threat on the rush.”
That offensive ability was displayed in Annesley’s 101st AIHL game on Sunday, as he collected two goals and an assist. His first goal encapsulates the threat he brings on the rush.
Annesley has scored 130 points in his 101 AIHL games, well over a point per game. And the 38-year-old is not slowing down offensively.
Annesley trails only Adam Kadlec on the team for points, with 19 (4G, 15A) in 10 games. Even more impressively, he is second among all AIHL defensemen in points, with only the recently departed Aiden Wagner collecting more from the blueline.
He is currently on a seven-game point streak, which includes a six-assist performance against the Newcastle Northstars.
In a Bears’ career full of highlights, which is Annesley’s favourite? The answer is easy. “2019 and finally getting over the hump and winning the Goodall Cup,” Annesley replied.
“It was kind of a funny year, we had a really good team in 2018 and had a better regular season. In 2019, we felt we had improved our depth and skill but didn’t have as good a regular season.
“In the semi-final against the CBR Brave, we were down 4-2 after the second period, but we had belief. It was a good Brave team that season; they only lost one game all year, and that was against us, so we had that in our back pocket.
“Going into the third period, we had belief. Bruxy [Jeremy Brücker] got an early goal, and we brought it home from there.”
When I asked Bears’ Governor Nathan Graham for his favourite Annesley moment, it came from the same semi-final game.
“I’d have to say his game-tying goal in the 2019 semi-final against Canberra, in Newcastle,” Graham said. “I was lucky enough to sit right behind it and see it the whole way in; you could just feel the momentum turn at that moment.
“Just a massive tally in the context of that game and, ultimately, our eventual Goodall Cup win.”
Since then, Annesley has been appointed team captain, and he excels just as much in this role off the ice as he does on it.
“He’s a very good veteran presence to have as a coach,” Bears’ Head Coach Tyler Huberty noted. “As a coach, you need to rely on good veterans.
“My philosophy has always been that the locker room is a players’ room. In order for that to work, you need to have strong veteran leadership in that room.
“Ryan’s such a huge help for me as a coach and a valuable resource for the team.”
Governor Nathan Graham described Annesley as “the ultimate club man, universally respected, and the kind of person that elevates an organisation. [His engagement] with our staff, sponsors and fans is of the highest standard.
“[Annesley] brings all of the attributes you’d expect from your captain – professionalism, maturity, passion, accountability, and respect. He’s also a fantastic mentor and role model for our younger cohort of players and future Bears.
“Bona fide “C”, full stop.”
Annesley is grateful to be a part of the Bears’ organisation and deeply appreciates the fans. “The group that we have,” Annesley passionately says, “from players to management to fans, it’s a tight-knit group.
“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re one big family. Even this past weekend in Brisbane, I saw fans that I hadn’t seen in forever since they moved to Brisbane; it was like they never left.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be a part of the Bears’ family. I’m very thankful for the Bears for allowing me the opportunity to come out and play and coach.”
Annesley is focused on the present and has a message that Bears fans will be pleased to hear. “The sole and main focus this season is to get the [Goodall] Cup back in Sydney.”
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