Who is Ryan Leonard's father, John Sr.? Meet the top prospect's dad who was drafted by the New York Knicks

Ryan Leonard, a rising star in the world of ice hockey, has been making waves with his exceptional skill and strength on the ice. Notably, Ryan's father, John Sr., was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1982 NBA Draft.

John Sr. was a guard who played college basketball at Manhattan College, where he averaged 18.3 and 15.1 points per game in his last two years. After being drafted by the Knicks, he went on to coach basketball at UMass before becoming a principal at an alternative school in Chicopee, Massachusetts. (Source: Scott Wheeler of The Athletic)

Ryan comes from a family of athletes, with both of his sisters playing Division III college basketball. But Ryan's focus is on hockey, and his strength and power on the ice have been turning heads. He has been described as a "specimen" and a "force of nature," with his game reflecting his strength off the ice.

But Ryan's strength isn't just about genetics. He has been raised with a strong work ethic, and his singular focus on achieving his goals has been evident from a young age. When he first started training with hockey coach Patrick Tabb a few summers ago, his aim was to pull himself out of his age group to make the U17 team at the national program.

Tabb was impressed with Ryan's dedication to skating four days a week for at least an hour and a half to two hours and his ability to already move to the second or third step he had planned for his training.

Unveiling the best attributes of Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is a top prospect for the 2023 NHL draft, and for good reason. This talented player boasts a variety of attributes that make him a remarkable player on the ice. His exceptional skating ability is one of his greatest assets. He has great speed and acceleration, allowing him to be the first one to the puck and the first to break away on a rush. His agility and ability to change direction quickly while maintaining his speed are also impressive.

But Ryan Leonard's talents do not stop there. He also has remarkable offensive skills, including an excellent shot with impressive accuracy. His hands are quick and nimble, allowing him to deke his way around defenders with ease. Leonard's strong hockey sense and outstanding vision also make him a formidable offensive threat, as he's always in the right position to make a play.

When it comes to puck handling, Ryan Leonard's skills are also noteworthy. He's excellent at protecting the puck and can shield it from defenders while making his way to the net. His stickhandling abilities are also impressive, allowing him to weave his way around defenders in tight spaces. Leonard's patience with the puck is another attribute that sets him apart, as he can hold on to it until he finds the perfect opportunity to make a play.

But Ryan Leonard's skills are not limited to the offensive end of the ice. He's also a solid player on the defensive end, with excellent awareness and backchecking abilities. He can strip the puck from opponents with ease, and he's not afraid to block shots or throw his body around.