Western Conference Hottie: Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks)

Well, today I'm writing more of a sentimental than "fluff" piece. Here we have a guy who's over come a lot. Especially a really messed up family situation. [Link Here ]. In fact, Bobby Ryan, isn't even his real name. (I'm telling you, read the link, it's so worth it." But all of that aside, what initially caught my eye, is the fact that he's full of determination and has his mind set on nothing stopping him from being the very best hockey player he can be. and well, that's hotter than hell in my book.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: 2008/09 Top scoring rookie. After winning national championships with his minor hockey team, the Los Angeles Junior Kings, he initially committed to playing for the U.S. National U-18 Program. Despite telling Ontario Hockey League (OHL) teams he would not play major junior, Ryan was selected by the Owen Sound Attack 7th overall in the 2003 OHL Selection Draft. He was convinced to play for the team and immediately began his major junior career with a 39-point rookie campaign in 03–04. After improving to 89 points the following season, Ryan was drafted second overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the '05 Draft behind Sidney Crosby (PIT). He ended his OHL career in 06–07. When he joined the the Portland Pirates of the AHL for the final 8 games of the season. Then he started the 07–08 season with the Ducks, scoring his first NHL goal in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings. He was, however, sent back to the AHL (Portland) after 4 games. He was recalled on March 7, '08, when Corey [DON'T get me started on, him, he goes in the same pot w/ Hossa] Perry's leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. In 08–09, Ryan once again made the reg. roster, but was sent down to the Ducks' new AHL affiliate, the Iowa Chops [thank you salary cap]. He was called up during the season and recorded a natural hat trick [yes, I had to look it up too], on January 8, 2009, against the Los Angeles Kings. He became the first rookie in Ducks history to record a hat trick, and it was the fastest hat trick by any player in the 15-year history of the franchise. On March 22, 2009, he broke the franchise rookie point record, tallying 2 assists for 46th point of the year in a win against the Phoenix Coyotes. This year, he was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy, along with Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks. [Pretty good for a kid with a past, huh??]

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: As you are all aware Stephanie and I have a few of the same weaknesses when it comes to hockey and/or hockey players. One of these weaknesses is AMERICAN hockey players!!!!! and we both have a very severe soft spot for one American hockey player in particular who Bobby Ryan also idolizes. His idol is none other than Mike Modano [previously on HftL...]. and according to the announcers on the Stars v Ducks game where I noticed him, he recently changed his number, to 9. In honor of his hero. Sweet, huh. We have a very subtly blended type of looking guy here. Lovely "chocolate-blond" hair, and very pretty mellow blue eyes. One of those very strong jaws, and a creamy smooth completion. He stands 6'2 and weighs in at a healthy 208lbs. Once you look at him, you'll be hooked. I was. His teammates refer to him as a "good kid" and something he says he rarely gets the opportunity to do but is very important to him. Is to spend time with his dad. Just a sweetheart. The quote that ultimately made me fall in love with him is this. "This is who I am, I'm not running, I'm not hiding," he says. I don't think I need to say anymore. He sells himself.