BY SCOTT HADDOW
On the ice, Sudbury Wolves defenceman Ryan
Hastings is a no-nonsense, physical, intimidating player. In
fact, he can be downright mean to the opposition and makes them
pay a huge price for trying to score on the Wolves.
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Hastings makes no bones about the
fact he plays a nasty game, which is obvious from the
way he's glowering at Mississauga Ice Dogs forward
Andrew Merrett. |
His unforgiving play, hard hits and ability
to outright maul opponents with his fists might make one
believe Hastings is heartless.
But, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Hastings has a huge heart, and when he's not wearing it on his
sleeve during games, the rugged defenceman opens it up to the
community of Greater Sudbury and kids.
Hastings will be honoured before tonight's
game against Owen Sound for his community involvement.
All season, Hastings has gone the extra
distance to visit local elementary schools and talk to
countless kids about the importance of education and setting
goals in life.
In January alone, Hastings visited 10
elementary schools, and leads all Wolves players in personal
hours donated to community causes.
"I really like getting out in the community
and giving back," said the Toronto native. "I like meeting the
people and kids. Giving back to a community, that supports us,
is a great opportunity for me to become a bigger part of the
city. The community supports us whether we are winning or
losing, so when the opportunity came, I totally jumped on
board."
Hastings, and other Wolves players, travel
the city attending schools and special functions to talk to
kids and have some fun.
It's the kids that put a smile on Hastings'
face.
"Seeing all the kids is the best part," said
the six-foot-three defenceman. "It's great to see the smiles on
their face. Growing up in a big city, I didn't have that. You
know the kids are really enjoying themselves. They really care
about the fact we are there taking time out of our day and
spending it with them talking about what's important to them.
It makes a positive difference."
Hastings spends a lot of time talking to
youngsters about setting goals in life, the importance of
school, always doing your best and never giving up.
"It's all about positive reinforcements,"
said the hard-shooting blueliner. "No matter what, the most
important thing is never giving up on something. If
you want it bad enough, the only person who's
really going to sell you short is yourself. If you go about
something the right way, take the good with the bad, keep
positive, and if you're positive, you will be successful in
life whether it's hockey or school."
Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno
commends Hastings' efforts.
"He really works well with kids," said
Foligno. "Every time he's out, people rant and rave about how
good he is with the kids. He's a happy-go-lucky guy and we're
fortunate to have him."
n
On the ice though, Hastings is all
business.
Now in his fifth and final year with the
Wolves and the OHL, Hastings is looking to wrap his massive
mitts around a Memorial Cup.
"I want to finish strong and have a long
play-off run," said the 20-year-old. "With the acquisitions
we've made, our team is stronger. It's taking a bit for us to
click, but the guys are really firing now. We want to win, not
only for ourselves, but the fans and the city."
Hastings makes no bones about the fact he
plays a nasty game.
"It comes with the territory of being a
defenceman," said the defender. "You have to play physical and
keep guys at bay. It doesn't matter who it is; I am always
going to be there for my teammates. If I have to fight, then I
will fight. Whatever it takes for us to win."
Foligno is glad to have the hulking Hastings
on his side.
"Ryan has risen to the occasion several times
this year for us," said Foligno. "We don't look to him to
supply all the offence, he's not that kind of defenceman. He's
a player who contributes with the odd goal, big hits and
physical play. When he plays with confidence, which is key,
he's quite a player."
n
Hastings has enjoyed his five years in
Sudbury and the rabid, loyal fans will be forever etched in his
mind.
"The fan support here has been just amazing,"
said veteran. "Fans are always cheering us on and it's a huge
boost for us all the time. It's incredible how the city gets
behind us and I thank them all for it."
