Penguins

November 1, 2009

Hockey Roots

Hockey opportunities have always been plentiful for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin forward Ryan Bayda. Growing up in the heart of western Canada, the winters were always cold enough to quickly freeze a backyard ice sheet at Bayda’s childhood home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Bayda took advantage of the opportunity to play outdoor hockey and used it to hone his skills and eventually realize every Canadian child’s dream – playing in the NHL (for more of Bayda’s interview, visit www.timesleader.com and click on “Meet the Penguins”).

How old were you when you began skating?

“I grew up in Saskatoon so as soon as I could walk my dad was getting skates on me.”

Where did you play as a kid?

“I remember always having a rink in the backyard. As soon as school was done for the day we’d be out there playing nonstop. My parents would always have to drag my brother and I off the ice sheet. We had lights up, so we could stay out after dark. Many good memories playing out there.”

Who was your favorite player growing up?

“I always liked Wayne Gretzky.”

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