Ryan Nie
Encyclopedia
Ryan Nie is a Canadian
professional ice hockey goaltender
who is currently playing for Lillehammer IK of the GET-ligaen
.
of the UHL
, signing with the team prior to the 2006-07 season as a backup to former longtime Rochester Americans
goaltender Tom Askey
. While Askey saw the majority of the team's starts, it was Nie who led the team with a league-record 2.02 GAA and a .929 save percentage. Nie ended up taking over the starting duties during the postseason, leading the K-Wings to the UHL Finals and posting a 2.73 goals-against average over 19 games. Upon the completion of the season, Nie was named to the UHL All-Rookie Team
The following season, Nie signed with the Johnstown Chiefs
of the ECHL
. He was named ECHL goaltender of the week twice during the season: the week of October 22–28, 2007 and the week of March 24–30, 2008. He was also briefly signed to a PTO contract by the Providence Bruins
on November 25, 2007, playing in one game and allowing two goals in forty-three minutes of game time in relief of Bruins' goalie Mike Brown
. Nie was released from his PTO contract on November 28, 2007. Nie went 29-12-4 with the Chiefs, breaking the former record held by former Chiefs' goaltenders Stan "Smokey" Reddick
(1991–92) and Frederic Deschênes
(2001–02).
Nie spent the 2008-09 season in the ECHL but split time between three teams: the Bakersfield Condors
, Elmira Jackals
before completing the season with the Cincinnati Cyclones
. Nie led the Cyclones to the conference Finals but lost the series 4-0 to the eventual Kelly Cup
champions South Carolina Stingrays
.
Nie started the 2009-10 season as a member of the San Jose Sharks
training camp before being sent to San Jose's AHL
affiliate in Worcester
. Nie was eventually assigned to Kalamazoo; the same team he started his professional career with, except that Kalamazoo was now a member of the ECHL. Nie would be recalled by several teams during the 2009-10 season (Portland Pirates
, Worcester Sharks, and the Houston Aeros
), but Nie would only see ice time during one of the recalls. On February 5, 2010, Nie signed a PTO contract with the Houston Aeros due to the injury of Aeros' goaltender Josh Harding
. The following night, Nie started in goal for the Aeros but surrendered five goals on nineteen shots. Nie was released from his PTO contract the following day and returned to Kalamazoo for the remainder of the season. Nie returned to the Wings and led the team in wins (28) and shutouts (3). At the conclusion of the regular season, Nie was named the Kalamazoo Gazette's 2009-10 Most Valuable Player.
Nie signed an extension with the Wings on August 10, 2010, returning to the club for a third season. Nie was loaned to the Binghamton Senators
on December 29, 2010. Nie dressed as a backup for two games but did not play. He was released from his PTO contract on January 6, 2011. Nie returned to the Wings and once again led the team in games played (52), goals against (2.80), and set a personal best in regular season wins (30). At the conclusion of the season, Nie was named the Wings Most Valuable Player. Nie led the Wings to the Kelly Cup finals, but would eventually lose to the Alaska Aces four games to one.
On June 20, 2011, Nie agreed to a one year contract with Lillehammer IK of the Norwegian GET-ligaen
. In an interview held by the team, Nie said talked to a former teammate who had played in Norway and said it was a good experience and recommended it to him.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional ice hockey goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
who is currently playing for Lillehammer IK of the GET-ligaen
GET-ligaen
GET-ligaen is the premier Norwegian ice hockey league, organised by the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation. The league was known as 1. divisjon until 1990, when it was reorganized and named Eliteserien . That name was held until 2004 when cable TV company UPC became main sponsor...
.
Career
Nie started his professional career with the Kalamazoo WingsKalamazoo Wings
The Kalamazoo Wings, nicknamed the K-Wings, are a mid-level professional ice hockey team in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A member of the ECHL's Eastern Conference, North Division, they play in the 5,113-seat Wings Stadium....
of the UHL
United Hockey League
The United Hockey League was a low-level professional ice hockey league , with teams in the United States...
, signing with the team prior to the 2006-07 season as a backup to former longtime Rochester Americans
Rochester Americans
The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...
goaltender Tom Askey
Tom Askey
Tom Askey is an American professional ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim as their eighth-round pick, #186 overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...
. While Askey saw the majority of the team's starts, it was Nie who led the team with a league-record 2.02 GAA and a .929 save percentage. Nie ended up taking over the starting duties during the postseason, leading the K-Wings to the UHL Finals and posting a 2.73 goals-against average over 19 games. Upon the completion of the season, Nie was named to the UHL All-Rookie Team
The following season, Nie signed with the Johnstown Chiefs
Johnstown Chiefs
The Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed...
of the ECHL
ECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
. He was named ECHL goaltender of the week twice during the season: the week of October 22–28, 2007 and the week of March 24–30, 2008. He was also briefly signed to a PTO contract by the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
on November 25, 2007, playing in one game and allowing two goals in forty-three minutes of game time in relief of Bruins' goalie Mike Brown
Mike Brown (goaltender)
Mike Brown is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.Brown was drafted in the fifth round, 153rd overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft...
. Nie was released from his PTO contract on November 28, 2007. Nie went 29-12-4 with the Chiefs, breaking the former record held by former Chiefs' goaltenders Stan "Smokey" Reddick
Stan Reddick
Stanley "Smokey" Otis Reddick is a former Canadian ice hockey goaltender.-Career:Nicknamed "Smokey" by his fans and teammates, Reddick spent his twelve year career in the ECHL and in Europe...
(1991–92) and Frederic Deschênes
Frederic Deschênes
Frederic "Freddie" Deschênes is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender playing for the Saint-Georges CRS Express of the LNAH.-Juniors:...
(2001–02).
Nie spent the 2008-09 season in the ECHL but split time between three teams: the Bakersfield Condors
Bakersfield Condors
The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League...
, Elmira Jackals
Elmira Jackals
The Elmira Jackals are an ice hockey team that play in the ECHL. Their home games are played in First Arena in Elmira, New York and they refer to themselves as "the beasts of the east"...
before completing the season with the Cincinnati Cyclones
Cincinnati Cyclones
The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena....
. Nie led the Cyclones to the conference Finals but lost the series 4-0 to the eventual Kelly Cup
Kelly Cup
The Patrick J. Kelly Cup goes to the play-off champion of the ECHL. The Kelly Cup has been awarded to teams since 1997. Prior to 1997, the playoff winner was awarded the Riley Cup. The current cup is named after Patrick J. Kelly, the league's first commissioner. The cup is loaned to the winning...
champions South Carolina Stingrays
South Carolina Stingrays
The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in...
.
Nie started the 2009-10 season as a member of the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
training camp before being sent to San Jose's AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
affiliate in Worcester
Worcester Sharks
The Worcester Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . The franchise is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and play their home games at the DCU Center in Downtown Worcester. The Sharks and the city of Worcester hosted the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic.-History:On...
. Nie was eventually assigned to Kalamazoo; the same team he started his professional career with, except that Kalamazoo was now a member of the ECHL. Nie would be recalled by several teams during the 2009-10 season (Portland Pirates
Portland Pirates
The Portland Pirates is a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. They play in the Cumberland County Civic Center in downtown Portland, Maine. The franchise was previously known as the...
, Worcester Sharks, and the Houston Aeros
Houston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
), but Nie would only see ice time during one of the recalls. On February 5, 2010, Nie signed a PTO contract with the Houston Aeros due to the injury of Aeros' goaltender Josh Harding
Josh Harding
Josh Harding is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.- Playing career :...
. The following night, Nie started in goal for the Aeros but surrendered five goals on nineteen shots. Nie was released from his PTO contract the following day and returned to Kalamazoo for the remainder of the season. Nie returned to the Wings and led the team in wins (28) and shutouts (3). At the conclusion of the regular season, Nie was named the Kalamazoo Gazette's 2009-10 Most Valuable Player.
Nie signed an extension with the Wings on August 10, 2010, returning to the club for a third season. Nie was loaned to the Binghamton Senators
Binghamton Senators
The Binghamton Senators are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . Nicknamed the B-Sens, they play in Binghamton, New York at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Along with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, the B-Sens are minor league affiliates of the Ottawa Senators...
on December 29, 2010. Nie dressed as a backup for two games but did not play. He was released from his PTO contract on January 6, 2011. Nie returned to the Wings and once again led the team in games played (52), goals against (2.80), and set a personal best in regular season wins (30). At the conclusion of the season, Nie was named the Wings Most Valuable Player. Nie led the Wings to the Kelly Cup finals, but would eventually lose to the Alaska Aces four games to one.
On June 20, 2011, Nie agreed to a one year contract with Lillehammer IK of the Norwegian GET-ligaen
GET-ligaen
GET-ligaen is the premier Norwegian ice hockey league, organised by the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation. The league was known as 1. divisjon until 1990, when it was reorganized and named Eliteserien . That name was held until 2004 when cable TV company UPC became main sponsor...
. In an interview held by the team, Nie said talked to a former teammate who had played in Norway and said it was a good experience and recommended it to him.
Personal
- Nie's favorite player is former NHL goaltender Andy MoogAndy MoogDonald Andrew Moog is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the goaltending coach for the NHL's Dallas Stars.Moog was previously the Dallas Stars' assistant coach...
, but has admitted that he chose his number #35 due to Tom BarrassoTom BarrassoThomas Patrick Barrasso is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who played 18 seasons for the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and St...
. - Nie has a girlfriend (Allison) and a dog (Lewis), both of which will be making the trip to Norway with him.
- In the offseason, Nie works for a local concrete company as a driver.