A way out

A way out

Published: May 7, 2020

Erik Ryan was born with spina bifida, a congenital disability that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly within the womb. Even though he could not walk, Ryan didn’t let that stop him from going out into the world and trying to conquer it. Introduced to sled hockey by his stepfather, Ryan plays defense for the Central New York Flyers. In 2011 with his marriage was on its way to divorce, Ryan was dealt a major blow with the loss of his stepfather, the man who introduced him to his love for the sport. With sled hockey being an outlet to relieve stress and be within his element Ryan looks to his time on the ice as a way to overcome his problems.