WATCH: Former NHLer Terry Ryan gets EMOTIONAL during post-game conference following return to pro hockey

Terry Ryan made a shocking return to professional hockey this past week as he signed a standard player contract with ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers.

WATCH: Former NHLer Terry Ryan gets EMOTIONAL during post-game conference following return to pro hockey

Terry Ryan getting emotional (Image via X)

In an unexpected turn of events, former NHLer Terry Ryan made a dramatic return to professional hockey. What made his return more dramatic was that it took place on his 47th birthday.

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) side, Newfoundland Growlers, found themselves in huge trouble as they got understaffed due to a flu outbreak. To make up for this, the team would send an invite to Ryan.

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As per Ryan, he was celebrating his birthday in style and had taken a few pints. He would later receive a call from Growlers’ forward Zach O’Brien. Thinking it was a joke, the 47-year-old would hang up the call.

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Things got serious when development coach Adam Pardy called him. He would later take a cab, drink a good amount of water, and go to sleep.

Ryan would later return to professional hockey for the first since the 2002-03 season. Despite being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1995, he was never able to burst on the scene and was labeled as a “draft bust“. An ankle injury in 2001 almost ended his career.

After the game, he was left emotional during the press conference and broke down in tears. He would recall how his 13-year-old daughter gave him an extra long hug as she watched him play for the first time.

I didn't want to embarrass them... Before the game, she gave me an extra-long hug.
Terry Ryan on playing live in front of his daughter.

Terry Ryan drops the gloves on return to professional hockey

In the world of professional hockey, the third most common thing after goals and assists is fights. Unlike other sports, ice hockey officials allow the player to drop their gloves and have a swing at their opponents to let go of some of their emotions.

Terry Ryan, who made his return to the sport recently, soon realized that old habits die hard. He dropped his gloves and engaged in a brawl with Adirondack Thunder’s Zach Walker.

Terry Ryan
Terry Ryan returns to pro hockey (Image via CBC)

While Ryan lost the bout as he lost his balance, he still gave the fans something to remember. The broadcasters were themselves left excited as he sent his fist flying in this intense showdown.

I wasn't planning on fighting ... but I turn around and my teammate, my buddy's got his helmet off. What do I have to lose? I'm supposed to lose that fight like when I fought Tie Domi when I was 18.
Terry Ryan on his fight against Zach Walker.

Though the Growlers lost the game 6-2, the highlight of the game is definitely on Terry Ryan. His return to professional hockey marks a significant phase in his career. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the next few games.

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