Kamloops' Ryan Gropp ready for next challenge following New York Rangers preseason

Kamloops native Ryan Gropp just finished his second preseason stint with the NHL’s New York Rangers.

The big scoring winger's preseason consisted of one barn burner against the Philadelphia Flyers where they lost 6-4. Gropp, who was held pointless on the night, was in awe playing at Madison Square Garden.

“That game was pretty wild and fun to be a part of,” said Gropp. “You also can’t beat the Madison square garden atmosphere.”

Gropp explained that it was great to once again be in competitive situations at such a high level.

“I thought the preseason was good. It’s obviously your first time in a competitive situation for quite some time so you're just trying to get your timing and feel for the game back again,”

Gropp added that the American Hockey League prepared him for the preseason and he is excited to get another chance to play with the Hartford WolfPack.

“The biggest takeaways I had from last year were all the things I needed to work on. The AHL is a really good league with grown men very close to the NHL. It showed me I needed to get stronger in order to play at the next level.”

Gropp hopes to make a dent in the Rangers roster sometime this year as he wants to establish himself as a solid player in all zones.

“That is definitely my goal this year to get called up, I want to establish myself as a reliable player in all 3 zones and be able to be called upon in any situation.”

Gropp mentioned that in order to get his shot in the NHL he would have to be better away from the puck.

“The biggest thing I want to improve on this year is my play away from the puck, everybody is so good at this level you need to be able to be in the right spots to get the puck back for yourself.”

Gropp went on to say that the preseason is behind him and his focus now shifts to improving his game and getting to the next level.

“What’s next is me trying to improve my game on and off the ice in order to get to the next level. Today’s game is so competitive and skilled you need to be constantly working on yourself. I’m ready for the challenge.”