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Player
Ryan Getzlaf
Ryan Getzlaf reached the pinnacle of hockey success early in his career and maintained an elite level of play throughout 17 NHL seasons. A dynamic playmaker and leader, Getzlaf’s tenure was defined by his ability to dominate offensively while leading teams to championship success.
Raised in an athletic family in Regina—where his brother Chris became a Saskatchewan Roughriders icon—Ryan excelled in multiple sports before ultimately committing to hockey. His rapid development saw him transition from the Under-15 AA Regina Rangers into major-junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen. Selected 54th overall in the 2000 Western Hockey League (WHL) draft, Getzlaf grew roughly half a foot before joining the Hitmen as a 16-year-old, making an immediate impact in the WHL. Over four seasons (2001-05), he played 233 games and registering 215 points (95G-120A).
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim selected Getzlaf 19th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, launching a professional career that would see him become synonymous with the franchise and set multiple team records. He played his entire 1,282-game NHL career with Anaheim, scoring 319 goals and amassing 1,139 points—nearly a point per game. A key contributor to the Ducks’ first-ever Stanley Cup victory in 2007, Getzlaf recorded 17 points in 21 playoff games to help secure the championship alongside future SHHOF Inductees Chris Kunitz and Travis Moen. Named captain of the Ducks in 2010, Getzlaf led with distinction for 12 seasons, making him the longest-serving captain in franchise history.
His powerful presence extended beyond the NHL, as he proudly represented Canada in nine international tournaments over a 14-year span (2002-16). He played a crucial role in securing five gold medals, including back-to-back Olympic titles at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as well as World Junior gold in 2003 and 2005.
Getzlaf’s impact on the game extended into his post-playing career. In 2024, he joined the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, bringing his firsthand knowledge to the league’s decision-making process. That same year, Hockey Canada named him a player relations advisor for the country’s men’s hockey team in preparation of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and 2026 Winter Olympics.
A true hockey icon, Getzlaf’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the sport. Inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (SSHF) in 2023, his contributions to the game continue to inspire future generations.