Providence Signs Ethan Ritchie

The Providence Bruins announced Sunday that they have signed former Sarnia Sting defenceman Ethan Ritchie to a one-year AHL contract. He is not related to the two former Bruins Nick and Brett Ritchie but is the older brother of 2023 first round pick Calum Ritchie.

I find this signing interesting because he played the last two seasons in the OHL with prospect Ryan Mast. The pair played together on many occasions and were part of the best defensive unit in the OHL this past season.

Ritchie was first eligible for the NHL Entry Draft in 2020. He began his draft year with the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL before getting the callup to the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. He had 2 goals and 7 points in 34 games before COVID-19 shut the league down.

Ritchie was then again eligible for the 2021 Entry Draft but he missed the entire season as the OHL was shut down for the entire season due to the Pandemic. He did however attend development camp with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ritchie began the 2021-2022 season with the Frontenacs but was traded to the Sting a month into the season. He had a breakout year with 12 goals and 37 points in 65 games. He went undrafted in his final year of eligibility.

Despite not wearing a letter, Ritchie is widely considered a leader both on and off the ice. His work ethic on and off the ice rubs off on his teammates. His attitude is all about winning and he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team.

The 6’0”, 200-pound left shot is a puck rushing defenceman with a smooth stride and above average speed. He’s a very good puck handler who has his head on a swivel constantly surveying the ice. He can make a good pass, move laterally to open up lanes to make a pass and he can shoot. He also retrieves pucks quickly and starts the transition by skating or making a good first pass.

I like how far his defensive game has come. He keeps gaps tight, uses a very active stick and he will battle in front of his own net. He kills penalties and can go up against the opposition’s top players. Interestingly enough, he’s never had a minus season despite never being on the best teams all the time.

Time will only tell how Ritchie’s game translates to the AHL, let alone the NHL. But this is exactly the low risk, high reward player you bring into the organization to have a look at.

The Bruins also announced they have signed Goaltender Shane Starrett to an AHL contract. This is a depth move only. Starrett has mostly played in the ECHL with a taste of the AHL. He even played one season in England.

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