Stillman’s Journey to the NHL: Embracing Family and Dineen’s Coaching
The path to the NHL is fraught with challenges, but for young prospects like Ryan Stillman, it’s a dream worth chasing. Having just completed his first season in the AHL with the Utica Comets, Stillman is eager to build upon his foundation and take a significant step closer to his ultimate goal. And in this pursuit, he’s found invaluable guidance and support from both his family and his coach, Kevin Dineen.
Stillman’s journey to the professional level is deeply intertwined with the wisdom imparted by his family. His father, a seasoned hockey player himself, instilled in him the importance of hard work and respect. This advice resonated deeply with Stillman, especially when he joined the Comets and began working with Dineen, a veteran of the NHL and a coach known for his demanding yet rewarding style.
“My dad knew who Kevin Dineen was, he played a long time,” Stillman recounted. “One of the biggest things he said to me coming into Utica was if you play the way you’re supposed to play, he’s going to respect you.” This valuable insight set the tone for Stillman’s relationship with Dineen, fostering a mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth.
Stillman embraced Dineen’s coaching philosophy, recognizing its parallels to his father’s teachings. Both emphasized the importance of hustle, grit, and an unyielding determination to succeed. “Dineen’s a hard working guy. He fought for every inch that he got in the NHL and that’s something that I’m going to have to do too,” Stillman said. This understanding of Dineen’s approach laid the groundwork for a productive mentorship that extended beyond the ice.
The influence of both family and Dineen’s coaching is evident in Stillman’s on-ice development. He recognized the importance of embracing versatility, showcasing his ability to excel both as a center and a wing. “I played a little bit in the middle last year,” Stillman explained. “I think that’s kind of when I started finding my stride because you got a little bit more puck touches throughout the game. You’re always in the mix because you’re always supporting the puck so I think my confidence grew a little bit that way.”
Stillman’s Growth: Finding His Stride and Embracing Versatility
Stillman’s confidence grew throughout the season, fueled by his willingness to adapt and learn. This adaptability is a testament to his dedication and his commitment to continuous improvement, a trait ingrained in him by his family and reinforced by Dineen’s coaching. His willingness to play both center and wing allowed him to gain valuable experience and develop a deeper understanding of the game.
“I see myself in both positions,” Stillman continued. “I like to be a Swiss Army knife and wherever I need to go I can go. I wouldn’t like to limit myself. I’ve definitely played more wing throughout my career but played all minor hockey at center so I enjoy all of it, I’m just a forward for sure.” This versatility is a crucial asset for any young player looking to make an impact at the NHL level, showcasing his potential to adapt to different situations and contribute in various ways.
Despite his progress, Stillman is not resting on his laurels. He recognizes that there’s always room for improvement and is focused on refining his game during the off-season. “For me a lot of it is three feet inside the blue lines or even the red line,” Stillman explained. “Your first puck touches when you’re receiving a hard pass cross ice. I’ve been playing wing so make sure that everything’s clean that way. It’s just doing everything fast out of corners and taking it right to the net. Sometimes it’s waiting to make a better play and sometimes it’s just take it right away.” This meticulous approach to development underscores Stillman’s commitment to continuous learning and his desire to hone his skills to the highest level.
Stillman’s dedication to refining his game is fueled by a deep-seated belief in his potential. He sees his rookie season in the AHL as a stepping stone, a platform from which to launch himself towards his ultimate goal. “I think it was a pretty good rookie season I think for me in the AHL,” Stillman shared. “Numbers wise and stuff it was fine for the type of player I am. I think obviously there’s a little bit more to my ceiling that I can hit and a lot of that comes with confidence, opportunity. I finished my first year up, I get another full summer in the gym to get bigger and stronger and work on the things that I’ve been told to do last year and I’m really looking forward to getting started again.”
Stillman’s Future: Embracing the Challenge and Trusting the Process
Stillman’s journey to the NHL is a testament to the power of family support, the transformative impact of mentorship, and the unwavering commitment to hard work. He understands that the path to the NHL is not a straight line but a winding road filled with challenges and opportunities. He embraces this journey, recognizing that each step, each lesson, and each experience contributes to his growth as a player.
With the guidance of his family, the mentorship of Dineen, and his own relentless pursuit of excellence, Stillman is poised to continue his ascent. He trusts the process, knowing that the journey itself is as important as the destination. The NHL is a dream worth chasing, and Stillman is determined to make it a reality.
The road to the NHL is paved with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But for Stillman, it’s also about embracing the journey, the challenges, and the support of those who believe in him. He’s found a strong foundation in his family, a mentor in Dineen, and an unwavering belief in himself. The future is bright for Stillman, and the NHL is within his reach.
- Ryan Stillman is a young prospect pursuing his dream of reaching the NHL, with guidance from his family and coach Kevin Dineen.
- Stillman’s father, a former hockey player, emphasized the values of hard work and respect that have shaped Stillman’s approach to the game.
- Kevin Dineen, a veteran NHL player and coach, has instilled in Stillman the importance of hustle, grit, and determination to succeed.
- Stillman has embraced versatility on the ice, excelling both as a center and a wing, which has boosted his confidence and performance.
- The mentorship from both family and Dineen has played a crucial role in Stillman’s on-ice development and growth as a player.
