Prospect in Peril – Daniel Ryder arrested for armed robbery

The sordid and complicated tale of former Calgary Flames prospect Daniel Ryder took an decidedly divergent turn on Wednesday when the former OHL star was arrested for armed robbery in his home town of Bonavista, Newfoundland.

According to police reports from the province, the brother of Boston Bruins forward Michael Ryder turned himself into authorities one day after a disguised suspect entered a convenience store in the village on the eastern edge of Newfoundland, informed the clerk that he was armed and demanded cigarettes.

Ryder, who will remain in custody pending a psychiatric assessment, is expected to be charged with armed robbery, using a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, and theft under $5,000.

A third round selection by the Flames in the 2005 Entry Draft, Ryder was named the MVP of the OHL playoffs in 2006 after helping lead the Peterborough Petes to the league title. However, after the conclusion of his junior career in 2007, Ryder’s career began a downward spiral that generated speculation about his mental stability.

Despite signing an entry level contract with the Flames that offered a $225,000 signing bonus, Ryder was late appearing at Calgary’s pre-season training camp in September of 2007. After being assigned to the club’s AHL affiliate in Quad City, Ryder left the team after only six games, a decision that earned him a suspension by the parent club.

Although Ryder returned to the Flames fold in 2008-09, it was clear he was not committed to regaining the form that made him one of the top ten scorers in the history of the Peterborough Petes franchise. He recorded nine points in 19 games with Quad Cities, but was still optioned down to the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers amid rumors of aberrant behavior.

Ryder bolted the ECHL team after only four games and was subsequently released by the Flames. He did return to action after signing a tryout contract with the Providence Bruins but he was not re-signed after the 25-game deal expired. He has not played this season, although there were reports he was going to join a team in the Avalon East Senior Hockey League.

The Flames have not yet commented on the situation.