It's a good bet Ryan OB次元官网网址橞yrne made lifelong Colorado Avalanche fans out of 28 kids on Tuesday morning.

OB次元官网网址橞yrne directed play and took a few swats at the ball during a pickup game of street hockey with the youth hockey players on the outdoor sports surface at KirbyB次元官网网址檚 Source for Sports in Saanich.

Complete sets of new hockey gear, from sticks to skates, were handed out to each of the 28 youths, purchased by the NHL PlayersB次元官网网址� Association Goals and Dreams foundation.

B次元官网网址淎ll the kids are from different backgrounds and different situations in life,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橞yrne said. B次元官网网址淪ome have played more than others, a few havenB次元官网网址檛 played at all, and theyB次元官网网址檝e been chosen by their local hockey association because they showed strong values.B次元官网网址�

OB次元官网网址橞yrne is a St. Michaels University School grad and former junior A player with Victoria Salsa (now Grizzlies) and Nanaimo Clippers, and is readying for his third full season with the Avalanche. The 6-foot-5 defenceman is two weeks away from hosting the inaugural Ryan OB次元官网网址橞yrne Charity Camp, a week long hockey school instructed himself, local coach Max Young, and single day appearances from guest NHLers Jamie and Jordie Benn (Dallas Stars), Manny Malhotra (Vancouver Canucks) and Clayton Stoner (Minnesota Wild).

The camp will also feature WHL players Keenan Kanzig of the Victoria Royals, Sam Grist of the Tri-City Americans, and BCHL players David Walchuk of the Victoria Grizzlies and Josh Bryan of the Nanaimo Clippers.

Young, who last coached the major midget South Island Thunderbirds, played with OB次元官网网址橞yrne on the provincial midget champion Racquet Club Kings 13 years ago.

All of the proceeds from the hockey camp are going to KidSport Victoria, enough to cover the registration grants for 28 players.

B次元官网网址淎ltogether (the NHLPA and KidSport money) is $30,000, a huge lift to the youth hockey community in Victoria,B次元官网网址� said Patti Hunter, chair of KidSport Victoria. B次元官网网址淔or (OB次元官网网址橞yrne) to choose KidSport is awesome.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淢y parents taught me to appreciate things,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橞yrne said.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been fortunate enough to play in the NHL and I remember the volunteers who helped me along the way.B次元官网网址�