Ryan Verbeek
Kingston,ON
Summary
Detail-oriented hockey professional with a strong background in both playing and evaluating high-level talent. Brings competitive playing experience, and a deep understanding of game strategy, player development, and hockey operations. Developed early teaching and scouting instincts while instructing at family-run hockey schools, gaining hands-on experience identifying talent, tracking progress, and assessing coachability. Skilled in evaluating hockey sense, compete level, positional IQ, character, and mental toughness. Proficient in live and video scouting, with the ability to deliver concise, actionable reports. Known for a strong hockey IQ, sharp observational skills, and a tireless work ethic both on and off the ice.
Overview
2022
2022
years of professional experience
Work History
AHL Official
American Hockey League
08.2020 - 05.2021
- I observed the game from a completely different angle — it improved my ability to read spacing, timing, and positioning.
- Gained a deeper understanding of tempo, puck movement, and how top players manipulate time and space.
- Learned to quickly recognize body language, frustration, leadership, and discipline — things you notice more clearly when managing the game flow.
- Helped me see how players handle adversity, how they respond to calls, pressure, and momentum swings.
- Reinforced how small details—footwork, stick discipline, communication—can separate the average from the elite.
- I built even more respect for pace at the pro level, and I sharpened my eye for who has that extra gear, both mentally and physically.
SPHL
Pensacola Flyers & Huntsville Havoc
12.2019 - 04.2020
- Competed against highly motivated pros each night — I learned to recognize grit, urgency, and pro habits in players striving to move up.
- I saw the difference between players who adapt and those who fall behind; it helps me spot who can adjust their game and role to stay relevant.
- Developed a stronger feel for role players and specialists—power forwards, agitators, depth scorers—and how they bring value at different levels.
- I experienced the reality of playing for contracts — it helps me evaluate effort, attitude, and accountability under pressure.
Ligue Magnus (Top League France)
Lyon Lions
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Produced 23 points (12 G, 11 A) in 31 games, giving firsthand insight into offensive efficiency and pace of play in European pro leagues.
- Adapted quickly to a different hockey culture and system, allowing for a sharp evaluation of how players adjust to new environments.
- Played a key offensive role in a top European league, offering perspective on how skill and hockey sense translate internationally.
- Gained experience competing against former NHL, AHL, and European veterans, informing talent comparison across leagues.
- Provided physical presence while maintaining offensive output—insight into two-way performance balance in various league styles.
- Developed an understanding of European ice size, spacing, and tactical play, enhancing the ability to project players transitioning between continents.
- I lived and competed overseas, offering firsthand experience in evaluating player character, independence, and mental toughness in foreign settings.
- Participated in international exhibition games (e.g., vs.). HK Kurbads, adding insight into clutch performance and situational awareness.
Dalhousie University Hockey
Dalhousie Tigers
08.2017 - 01.2018
- I got a real feel for mature players and late bloomers — I saw firsthand how some players develop later and still find success.
- I learned how to grind out production against older, stronger competition — it helps me spot players who can battle through and still make plays.
- Gained a deeper appreciation for IQ and positioning over pure skill — not every top player dominates with flash, some do it with brains
- Balanced hockey with school helps me evaluate a player’s discipline, focus, and time management.
- I saw which players had that internal drive to keep improving, even without the spotlight — important when scouting under-the-radar talent.
QMJHL Hockey Player
Chicoutimi Saguenéens & Drummondville Voltigeurs
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Played a key role in the QMJHL with Chicoutimi and Drummondville, finishing with 42 points in 53 games — it gave me real experience in what it takes to produce consistently at the major junior level.
- Wore the captain’s “C” in Drummondville — it helped me understand the kind of character, leadership, and mental toughness it takes to earn trust in a room, and lead by example.
- Played both skilled and physical minutes, and developed an eye for players who compete hard and can impact the game in different ways.
- I saw what separates players who plateau from those who keep improving; now I look for those subtle signs of coachability and a growth mindset in young players.
- Got traded, adapted quickly, and made an impact — it helps me assess how players deal with change, pressure, and expectations.
- Faced top-end talent every night — it gave me a strong internal gauge for recognizing high-end hockey sense, pace, and next-level habits.
- I learned how systems vary from team to team — now I can better evaluate how players fit into different structures and roles.
- Played meaningful games and scored in overtime—this helps me recognize which players rise when it matters most.
OHL Hockey Player
Windsor Spitfires & Kingston Frontenacs
10.2012 - 05.2016
- Played over 200 OHL games across multiple teams (Windsor, Kingston), gaining deep knowledge of junior hockey systems, coaching styles, and player development paths.
- I experienced firsthand the pressure and pace of major junior hockey, allowing me to accurately evaluate players' ability to handle elite competition.
- Observed and played against top NHL prospects, helping to refine your eye for identifying pro-level skill, compete level, and hockey IQ.
- Gained insight into the draft process, trades, and team dynamics, providing an understanding of how players react to adversity, change, and expectations.
- Understanding the physical and mental demands of the OHL schedule is useful when projecting a player’s durability, maturity, and progression over time.
- Competed in both offensive and checking roles, providing versatility in evaluating forwards with different responsibilities and traits.
- Built strong awareness of what separates average junior players from NHL-caliber talent, especially in areas like decision-making, skating mechanics, and adaptability.
- Developed a competitive mindset and leadership traits that help recognize similar intangibles in current prospects.
NHL Camps
Buffalo Sabres & Tampa Bay Lightning
- I experienced the standard and speed of NHL hockey firsthand, which helps me recognize which junior or college players can actually make that jump.
- I noticed how pros prepare, compete, and carry themselves — built a strong eye for pro habits, off-ice work ethic, and game-day approach
- Practicing alongside elite talent helped me understand the difference between good and great, especially in small details.
- I noticed how fast decisions need to be made; now I focus on processing speed and play-reading ability when scouting.
- I gained real perspective on what coaches and GMs look for at the NHL level, which helps me evaluate role fit and organizational need more clearly.
- I learned how crucial attitude, confidence, and resilience are when competing for a roster spot — traits I always look for in prospects now.
Skills
- Talent evaluation and skill breakdown
- Hockey IQ and positional analysis
- Development projection
- Character and mental toughness
- Video and live game analysis
- Scouting reports and communication
- Player comparisons
- On-ice habit assessments
- Work ethic and coachability
- Situational awareness evaluation
- Recognizing consistency, passion, poise, and self-discipline
Timeline
AHL Official
American Hockey League
08.2020 - 05.2021
SPHL
Pensacola Flyers & Huntsville Havoc
12.2019 - 04.2020
Ligue Magnus (Top League France)
Lyon Lions
08.2018 - 05.2019
Dalhousie University Hockey
Dalhousie Tigers
08.2017 - 01.2018
QMJHL Hockey Player
Chicoutimi Saguenéens & Drummondville Voltigeurs
08.2016 - 05.2017
OHL Hockey Player
Windsor Spitfires & Kingston Frontenacs
10.2012 - 05.2016
NHL Camps
Buffalo Sabres & Tampa Bay Lightning
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