In international competition, Ryan Lin of the Vancouver Giants already has two gold medals (at last season’s U17 Hockey Challenge and the U18 WJC) and a bronze medal (at this season’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup). He now is in line for more accolades, as he is one of only three CHL players guaranteed a spot in next month’s CHL/USA Prospects Challenge (OHL forward Ryan Roobroeck & d-man Xavier Villeneuve round out this list). The ultra-talented Lin has 12 points (3G 9A) this season, although he sees himself as a two-way player despite only average size (5’11” 176 lbs.). Lin’s skill is matched only by his competitive nature, and his desire to best Team USA at the prospects games was fueled by coming up a bit short at this year’s Hlinka-Gretzky.
On a personal note, I had the pleasure of watching Lin, along with Roobroek and Villeneuve, at the U18 world junior championship. Lin used his exceptional speed to consistently join the rush while quickly transitioning back to a defensive posture. He was an underaged player for that tournament, so I look forward to the possibility of watching this potential top 10 pick compete at this year’s event.
https://www.tsn.ca/chl/whl/article/vancouvers-lin-welcomes-pressure-experience-ahead-of-draft-season