By Ross Forman
As Ryan Kranicki starts his senior season, his third on the co-op Renegades varsity, he flashes back to his freshman season and one of the most memorable moments of his hockey career.
He was playing in the all-star game and ultimately scored the game-winning goal with :04 seconds left to play.
Kranicki, 17, who lives in Villa Park and attends Willowbrook High School, also has won back-to-back varsity Illinois Hayes-Suburban Hockey Division titles.
“My style of play is that I have quick hands and am able to see the ice and open opportunities whether it’s me putting the puck in the net or passing it to my teammates,” said Kranicki, whose experience and leadership are as valuable as the goals and assists he brings to the Renegades.
“I have been playing for 12 years and luckily enough have had three great coaches who have got me to where I am today: Jeff Schoner (Admirals) Matt Benton (Admirals/Renegades) and Mike Rohdenberg (Bruins U18CS). I combine what all three have taught me and with having a young varsity team it’s nice to be able to pass that along to the others on my team.”
Kranicki, in uniform No. 25 – an ode to his birthday, August 25th –has certainly come a long way from his first-ever game when he admittedly was “scared out of my mind (with) no idea what I had gotten myself into.”
The Renegades are a mix of players from Addison Trail, Fenton, Montini Catholic, and Willowbrook High Schools – and the club has been quite successful under head coach Matt Benton, now in his eighth season.
The Renegades, for instance, won the 2017 Illinois State Championship (Combined Division) and have six Hayes Suburban League Championships (Cougar Cup) under Benton.
He was the Suburban Division Coach of the Year in 2017.
“It’s a different perspective,” playing on a Combined Division team, Kranicki said. “Playing with kids from different areas, it’s exciting to see what other players bring.”
A combined division team certainly brings new, unique friendship. Case in point, Kranicki and former teammate Chris Herringer, who now plays for the Florida Eels. “Chris guided me through my first year playing varsity hockey. We still keep in touch,” Kranicki said.
Slapshots With … Ryan Kranicki of the co-op Renegades
Influences: “My parents are my biggest influences. They sacrificed a lot to give me the opportunities to play.”
Off-Ice: “When I am not on the ice, I am focused on working out. I’m either at Tier One Athletics or Hustle Strength. If I am not there you could find me at Lifetime Fitness.”
It’s a Fact: “I am a quiet kid. I like to relax and mess with my younger sister, Jordyn. My parents call her my mini me.”
Favorite NHL Team: Washington Capitals
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chipotle
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Kylie Jenner
Best Hockey Tip: “Keep pushing forward, never quit, give it your all every time you step on the ice.” – Coach Matt Benton
Teammate Who You Could See As a Hockey Coach: Patrick Michael
Most Accurate Shot on the Renegades: Nate Moles
Best High School Uniforms (other than Renegades): York
