Tom Anastos & Spartan Hockey Stay In State for a Quality 2012 Left Winger in Ryan Keller

Ryan Keller credits his parents. The incoming freshman hockey player for Michigan State says there is no way he could have gotten to this level without his

Ryan Keller credits his parents. The incoming freshman hockey player for Michigan State says there is no way he could have gotten to this level without his parents; not only because of the sacrifices they have made, but also because of all the life skills they have taught him along the way. “My dad has been on me since I was young,” he says. “My mom is the same way – it’s all about being polite and having good manners, and it’s really worked out well.”

It sure has.

The Farmington Hills native led Detroit Catholic Central High School to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010 before playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL last season. His season was cut short by a knee injury, but he expects to be ready for fall camp.   

Having grown up a Spartan fan, he says he is very excited about this new opportunity.  “I just want to work hard with the other guys for that one goal at the end of the year,” he says. “Everyone has the same goal, I think: to win a national championship.”  

He should be able to help with that, too, with his scrappy style and strong work ethic.  “I like to play both ends with equal passion,” he says, “and to try to get back and help the defensemen. I’m not scared to go into the corners, either. I like to make myself known near the net.”  

 The left-winger’s work ethic resembles that of former MSU captain and current Boston Bruin Torey Krug, although the two play different position. Krug played defense, while Keller will play forward. Both players, though, work hard and are able to do it all.  “(Krug) seemed like a great leader and it’ll be tough to lose him,” Keller says. His work ethic was out of proportion, too. From what I’ve heard from the other guys, it was unbelievable.”  

He was one of Coach Tom Anastos’ first recruits, and Keller says he liked the way Anastos was able to come in and instantly turn things around.  “I think he came in here and started to make change right away,” he says.  “There’s such a huge tradition here, and that really caught my eye, too. “

 He had actually met Anastos before the man was even named head coach for the Spartans, as their families lived in adjacent neighborhoods and Anastos’ daughter played with Keller��s younger sister. That itself did not play much of a factor in his decision, though. “All the great coaches, facilities, the academics, the support, and the way the guys all shook my hands when I saw them around on my visits…as soon as I got in the office and he asked, I told him, ‘this is the place for me.’”

He now looks forward to proving himself in practice.  “You’re going to earn your spot.  It’s going to come from the weight room and the compete level in practice.  It’s going to be high, but you’ve got to earn your spot.  It’s never given to you.”

He knows that this goes for strength and conditioning workouts as much as for on-ice practices. “There are some times when (strength and conditioning coach Mike Vorkapich) is getting in your face, but he loves doing it and it’s going to make us better.  Deep inside you have to make some changes, but you can’t take it too seriously. You’ve got to have fun with it all.”

He especially looks forward to the fun of taking the ice against the in-state rival Michigan Wolverines. “I’m ready for it in front of a big crowd at Munn, and even going to Yost. We hate them, and they don’t like us, either.”  

That first regular season game at Minnesota will be where it all starts, however, on October 12. “It really hasn’t hit me yet,” Keller admits. “That first home series is going to be an unbelievable experience.  I haven’t thrown on the jersey yet, but once I put that on and skate onto the ice with the other guys, I know it’s going to be mind blowing.”