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Sanborn adjusting to life in Canada with Golden Hawks

Writer's picture: Joel VanderlaanJoel Vanderlaan


When Ryan Sanborn joined the Trenton Golden Hawks earlier this season, he was not only adjusting to a new organization but also adapting to life in a different country.


Though the Brookfield, Connecticut, native had previous experience playing in Canada with the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL, most of his development has taken place in the United States.


Sanborn is one of two American-born players on the Golden Hawks roster, alongside recently acquired forward Jonathon Pylypuik.


"I think it’s been great to live in Canada and play hockey here," he said. "It’s a bit of a different culture. It’s just people’s everyday lives here, whereas in the U.S., it really isn’t. You just see a lot more passion out of people who live in Canada. It’s really fun to play in front of them every night."


Sanborn has seen the growth of minor and junior hockey in the United States, particularly in non-traditional areas.


"In Connecticut, it’s growing. I think the influence of the Rangers, and the success they’ve had, has really made people tune in and watch. It definitely could be grown in some states that maybe just don’t really have much of it. But there's a bunch of good players from really all over the place. Like Matthews is from Arizona. But it’s definitely growing and expanding."


Through 12 appearances, the 19-year-old goaltender has been near perfect in Trenton. Sanborn has a 1.34 goals-against average, a .952 save percentage, and five shutouts with an unbeaten record.


Although his play has helped the Golden Hawks to a 33-5-2-0 record, Sanborn credits his teammates for their unselfishness and commitment to winning.


"I always have full confidence in the team," he said. "That gives me even more confidence to play my game the way I want to. I can be aggressive because I know if I make a mistake, my team is going to have my back. And it’s just great to play in front of a team like that."


"The team is just playing great, not selfish hockey at all. Just getting pucks deep, blocking shots in front of me. It’s been a great team effort."


Sanborn says a big part of his performance comes from getting the chance to work with goaltending coach Mike Murphy, a former OHL and CHL Goaltender of the Year with the Belleville Bulls.


Murphy had a successful professional career in the AHL and KHL. He also appeared in two NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes before going into coaching and player development.


"He’s been great. I mean, besides the fact that he knows so much about goaltending, he’s also just a great guy," Sanborn said. "He understands the mental aspect of the game and really helps us if we’re going through struggles. He helps us stay level-headed."


"I think he’s really transformed my game. He has really helped me not only with my technical game but also with keeping my mind sharp."


Murphy had an immediate impact. After winning his first game, Sanborn earned three consective shutouts.


Along with his teammates and coaching staff, Sanborn credits his billet, Debbie, and his parents, Kyle and Judy, for their support.


After his time in Trenton, Sanborn is committed to play at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he will pursue a degree in engineering.


With an exciting present and future ahead of him, Sanborn has a lot to look forward to.

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