Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2025-26 team captains across The OJ.
BY RON VALENTINE
Blueliner RYAN SHULER will captain the OJHL’s West Conference Buffalo Jr Sabres for the 2025-26 season. It will be the third and final junior hockey campaign for the 20-year-old.
Ryan was born in Baldwinsville, NY, a town of close to 8,000 people on the Seneca River two hours east of Buffalo. He played his minor hockey for the Syracuse Nationals before joining the Buffalo Jr Sabres organization. The OJHL Sabres are the lone U.S. squad in the 24-team league.
Over his previous two J,r A campaigns he has scored nine goals, including two game winners, and added 29 assists. Last season his club finished in fourth spot in the West with 71 points before beating the Toronto Patriots in six games in the playoffs’ first round and then falling to the Leamington Flyers in four straight in Round 2.
Sean Wallace, entering his third season as general manager and head coach of the Jr Sabres, feels Ryan is a great choice to lead the team: “We are excited to announce Ryan as the leader of our group for this season. Ryan is a true competitor on the ice and an even better person off it. Over the years he has personified what leadership means and I am confident that he will drive our culture and elevate our program to the next level.”
“It can be a nerve-wracking time in your first season in the OJHL as each player tries to keep focus on his education and on hockey. Lots of things are different from what they have been used to, especially the scheduling and the amount of time you have to take in preparation.”
What are you looking for this season?
It’s the first time wearing the ‘C’ for Ryan: “It’s an amazing feeling in my last season of junior to be named the captain of a great organization here in Buffalo. I aim to be a good role model especially for the many younger players that we have this season. My goal is to get everyone ‘bought in’ and to stick together through the ups and downs but I know it will take time so we have to be patient. It can be a nerve-wracking time in your first season in the OJHL as each player tries to keep focus on his education and on hockey. Lots of things are different from what they have been used to, especially the scheduling and the amount of time you have to take in preparation.”
Looking backward and forward.
“Getting home ice advantage in Round 1 was very important to us last season and we were able to get past the Patriots in six but we could not get any further. In 2024 we finished fifth by one point and we ended up losing to Oakville in six games. We have a lot of confidence at home but last season we won big games on the road and that’s what we have to do this season.”
Hockey history and personal goals.
“In my final season I’m really looking forward to ending on a high note and my goal is to take the NCAA route in the fall. I have had some preliminary talks with universities and now the rest is up to me. It’s been a long haul since I started skating as a three-year-old but it’s been a fun journey beginning with the Syracuse Nationals near my hometown. I started with the Jr Sabres on their U15 team.”
Behind the bench.
“Coach Wallace and the staff have been a great influence for me. He says what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.” Michael Benedict has been promoted from assistant to associate head coach while Tyler Riter (ex Burlington Cougar) joins as assistant coach
How do you see yourself on the ice?
“Overall I look at myself as a responsible defenceman first but also one that can add some offense to the team when it’s needed. Successfully killing penalties is a big thing to me as the team often rallies when that happens. It’s also a good feeling to be able to rush the puck and create chances offensively.”
One of Ryan’s blueline partners, 16-year-old Cole Hajt comes with an impressive hockey pedigree. His grandfather, Bill, spent 14 years in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres. His dad, Chris also spent time in the ‘big show’ and is currently an assistant coach for the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Another 16-year-old, forward Braden Guolla’s father Steve starred at Michigan State before playing more than 200 games for four NHL clubs.
Led from the blueline by No. 44, the Jr Sabres are looking to continue the positives they took out of the 2024-25 campaign and look to be in the thick of things in the OJHL West.
Starting this Friday in Milton, the Jr Sabres open the 2025-26 OJHL season with eight games away from their home rink. Their home opener goes Sept. 28 against Burlington.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
