For Ryan Woodburn, being named captain of the Hamilton Kilty B’s is more than just an honour — it’s a responsibility he embraces with pride. “It’s a complete honour to wear the ‘C’ in my final season,” Woodburn reflects. “There’s definitely a bit more pressure because I want to make the most of every moment, but it’s also about enjoying the ride and leading the team the best I can.”
Balancing hockey and life is no small feat, especially as a second-year student at Mohawk College. “It’s tough, but time management is everything,” he shares. “I use hockey bus rides to get schoolwork done and make sure to carve out time for family and friends. It’s about using every moment wisely.”
“It’s important to stay positive and make sure everyone is playing for the logo on the front. Tradition matters, and it keeps us all moving forward together”
Growing up, Woodburn’s connection to hockey in Hamilton ran deep. “I used to go to Stoney Creek Warriors and Ancaster Avalanche games all the time when I was playing minor hockey,” he recalls.
Now, as a leader for the Kilty B’s, he focuses on carrying forward the team’s traditions and positivity. “It’s important to stay positive and make sure everyone is playing for the logo on the front. Tradition matters, and it keeps us all moving forward together.”
Woodburn knows the value of teamwork and accountability, especially after a tough first season. “You learn so much from those hard seasons,” he says. “It’s about planning, adapting, and making sure we operate as one unit.”
Creating a safe and supportive environment in the locker room is a key part of his leadership. “We hold team meetings where players can get things off their chests, call each other out, and hold one another accountable. It builds trust and helps everyone buy into the goal of winning a championship,” he explains.
When reflecting on his biggest influences, Woodburn points to his mother. “Her work ethic is incredible – she’s up at 4 a.m. every day for a walk before heading to work. She’s taught me so much about perseverance,” he says. He also credits his minor hockey coach, Sandy Sbrissa, for instilling a positive mindset. “He always told me I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it, and that’s stuck with me.”
Woodburn has evolved his game over the years. “I used to think I was a playmaker and goal scorer, but that wasn’t the case,” he admits. “Now, I use my experience and my body to win puck battles.”
He draws inspiration from teammates past and present. “Torin Hession, in my rookie season, was one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever seen. He ate so healthy and was always finding ways to improve,” Woodburn shares. “And Evan Krell is the guy who keeps the room light – he’s funny and always lifts the mood.”
Games against Caledonia hold a special place in Woodburn’s heart. “Growing up in Hamilton, those matchups were always hyped. Our assistant coach, Brian Edwards, hates losing to them, so that adds even more intensity to those games,” he says.
One of his favourite memories is from the Golden Horseshoe Conference championship-clinching game when the final buzzer sounded. “I remember stepping onto the ice with the guys I’d sweat and battled with all season. It’s a feeling you can’t describe,” he says.
Looking ahead, Woodburn’s main goal is clear: “Win the Sutherland Cup and enjoy every moment of my final year. It’s about not taking anything for granted and making the most of this time,” he says.
Off the ice, Woodburn is equally passionate about giving back to the community. “We’ve worked with Interval House of Hamilton and done public speaking for fundraisers. It’s important to be role models and show that we’re about more than just hockey,” he says.
With his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to both his team and his city, Ryan Woodburn is leaving a lasting mark on the Hamilton Kilty B’s – on the ice and beyond.
