Ryland Rooney: MN Hockey Life Player of the Week
Ryland Rooney, a standout forward from Dellwood, has been on a remarkable journey since his sophomore season ended on February 22nd. Following his high school season at Gentry Academy, Rooney led the Long Island Gulls 15U AAA to the New York State Championship, scoring the game-tying goal and the shootout-winning goal. He also signed a tenure with the Des Moines Buccaneers and was the leading scorer at the High Performance Boys 16’s Spring Festival, racking up 8 points in just 3 games this past weekend.
Rooney’s high school season ended with an impressive 19-game point streak, finishing with 69 points in 26 games. Known for his smart play, Rooney excels at attacking the slot and possesses impressive puck skills. Ranked as one of the top 2009-born players in the nation, his talents have caught the attention of the Des Moines Buccaneers, who made the move to secure his rights in the USHL by signing Rooney, giving up their 1st-round pick in the 2025 USHL Futures Phase 1 Draft.
This week, Rooney will compete with the Long Island Gulls 15U at Nationals in Madison, Wisconsin.
It’s clear: Ryland Rooney’s journey is just beginning, and it’s one to watch.