Ryan Lindgren Ready to Lead in Year 2

USA Hockey National Team Development Program

Ryan Lindgren Ready to Lead in Year 2

By Becky Olsen, 09/15/15, 12:45PM EDT

U18 Defenseman Added 15 Pounds of Muscle Going into Season

The Lindgren Brothers: Andrew, Charlie and Ryan.

Ryan Lindgren wants to be more of a leader in his second and final season with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program.

“For me, it means I can have no days off,” the U18 defenseman said. “I need to bring it every day. On the ice I need to work my butt off, and in the weight room I want to finish.

“This is a big year for us. It can be a grind, but we can get through it. We can’t take off any plays — we need to play right to the end.”

The U.S. National Under-18 Team’s quest began this past weekend with a pair of preseason wins. Lindgren, a Minneapolis native, said he feels more confident on the ice going into this season.

“The biggest difference on the ice this year is I know the team and the coaches better,” he said. “It has been easier to adjust to the style of play. It’s been good.

“I think I can play with more physicality this year. I definitely got bigger this summer. I’m feeling stronger and faster, which hopefully will help me keep up with the play. I think this will help me be more ready to play against the college teams and in the USHL.”

Lindgren, a 6-foot, 196-pound blue liner, gained almost 15 pounds of muscle after training with NTDP teammates Joey Anderson and Matthew Hellickson over the summer.

“We worked out four times per week and skated three times per week,” he said. “We were able to skate with both pro and college guys. I definitely worked on my skill development this summer.”

Lindgren is looking forward to playing the college slate of games this season, in addition to the United States Hockey League and international play.

“I think it will be fun to go to different places,” said Lindgren, who plans to attend the University of Minnesota after his NTDP playing days are over. “We get to play some of the top college teams — Michigan, out east against Boston University and of course in Minnesota. It’s going to be tough but it will definitely help us as a team.

“My two favorite games on the schedule this year are playing at St. Cloud State and North Dakota. I grew up watching the Gophers play UND, and it was definitely a rivalry. Plus, the Ralph Engelstad Rink is where U18 Worlds will be held in April, so it will be great to get that experience.”

Lindgren has another reason to look forward to the game at St. Cloud State. His older brother Charlie is a goalie for the Huskies.

“We have joked about it, that maybe I can put one by him,” Ryan Lindgren said. “I’m very excited to play there. We will have a bunch of family and friends going. I’m hoping it will be a fun game and hopefully Charlie will get to play for a period.”

The Lindgren family is a hockey-playing group. Father Bob was a netminder at the University of Michigan during the 1985-86 season. Meanwhile, brother Andrew is also a goaltender, playing this season for the North American Hockey League’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

“They are my role models,” Ryan Lindgren said. “I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. We are really close. We love to go up north and go fishing.”

That familial atmosphere carries over to the NTDP. That’s why Lindgren finds it important to be a role model for his younger billet brothers.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I have three younger billet brothers and I love them. I want to be a role model for them and show them where hard work can get you.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.