Ryder Rolston is an American professional hockey winger for Nashville Predators and its affiliates in the AHL. Born on October 31, 2001, in Boston, Massachusetts, The Colorado Avalanche selected Rolston as the 139th pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Before turning pro, Rolston honed his skills at the University of Notre Dame, where he played three seasons and recorded 53 points in 93 games. After his collegiate career, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2023.
In November 2024, Rolston was traded to the Nashville Predators and assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. The son of longtime NHL player Brian Rolston, Ryder continues to work toward his first NHL appearance. As of December 2024, he has mad 15 appearances for Admirals and Rockford IceHogs recording 4 points in the 2024/25 AHL season.
Ryder Rolston's parents
Ryder Rolston is the son of Jen and Brian Rolston. His hockey journey has been deeply influenced by his family, especially his father, Brian Rolston who is a former NHL veteran with 17 NHL seasons and 1,256 games to his name. Ryder grew up engaged in the hockey world, frequenting NHL locker rooms and practices, which sparked his passion for the sport. "I would see the structure of what it was like to play pro hockey, and I was really mesmerized," Ryder shared as per USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program's official website. Brian Rolston, known for his leadership as captain of the Minnesota Wild, passed down not only skills but also a strong work ethic. Ryder recalls, "Every day he tells me to be the hardest working guy in practice.”
Beyond his father, Rolton's mother Jen Rolston played an equally crucial role. While Brian’s NHL career kept him busy, Jen Rolton was the one ensuring her son got to practices and games, while supporting his academic journey. Ryder stated, “She was always there for me... I wouldn’t be here without her" as per USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program's official website.
Additionally, Ryder’s uncle, Ron Rolston, also left a mark on his career. A former coach for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, Ron instilled a sense of pride in representing his country. "He would always tell me that it is a unique thing to represent your country," Ryder said, inspired by his uncle's words and examples.
Ryder Rolston's siblings
Rolson has three brothers named Brody, Stone, and Zane Rolston. While not much is known about Brody and Zane, his younger brother Stone is also involved in ice hockey. Stone was born on February 25, 2005, and is a forward for the Victoria Grizzlies in the BCHL, as per EliteSports. Stone is the younger brother of Ryder Rolston, who also followed in their father Brian Rolston's footsteps in pursuing a hockey career.
FAQs on Ryder Rolston
A. Ryder Rolston is the son of former NHL player Brian Rolston
A. Rolston got traded from Chicago Blackhawks to the Nashville Predators in November 2024.
