Ryan Chesley, born on February 27, 2004, in Mahtomedi, Minnesota, is a promising American defenseman currently playing for the University of Minnesota in the NCAA. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 195 pounds, Chesley shoots right and has been recognized for his robust defensive capabilities and leadership qualities.
Chesley honed his skills with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he was a pivotal player for both the U-17 and U-18 teams. His performance caught the attention of the Washington Capitals, who selected him 37th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
In his freshman year with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2022–23), Chesley recorded two goals and eight assists over 36 games. He continued to develop in his sophomore year (2023–24), adding two goals and six assists in 37 games and leading the league with 74 blocked shots, earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Internationally, Chesley has represented the United States with distinction. He contributed to a silver medal at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics and played in both the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, securing another silver in 2022. At the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, he was part of the U.S. team that won bronze in 2023 and gold in 2024, serving as an alternate captain in the latter tournament.
Strengths:
- Defensive Acumen: Chesley is lauded for his strong defensive play, including effective shot-blocking and penalty killing.
- Skating Ability: His smooth skating enables him to transition the puck efficiently and maintain strong positioning.
- Physicality: Despite his size, Chesley plays with notable strength and physicality, effectively challenging opposing forwards.
Weaknesses:
- Offensive Consistency: While capable offensively, Chesley has room to develop greater consistency in contributing to the attack.
- Puck Movement: Improving his puck-moving skills could enhance his effectiveness in transitioning play from defense to offense.
Chesley’s trajectory suggests he could become a reliable two-way defenseman in the NHL, with continued development in his offensive game complementing his already solid defensive foundation.
Player Profile:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | February 27, 2004 |
| Drafted | 37th overall by Washington Capitals in 2022 |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 195 lbs |
| Hometown | Mahtomedi, Minnesota |
| Position | Defense |
| National Team | United States |
