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Mike Van Ryn

Mike Van Ryn is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and coach.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mike Van Ryn is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and coach. He played in the National Hockey League for the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, and later became an NHL assistant coach. He was born in London, Ontario, and won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

Early life and amateur career

Van Ryn was born in London, Ontario, and played college hockey at the University of Michigan. He was part of Michigan's 1998 NCAA championship team.

NHL playing career

Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1998, Van Ryn played in the NHL from 1999 to 2011. His teams included St. Louis, Florida, and Toronto.

Coaching career

After his playing career, Van Ryn moved into coaching in the OHL and later in the NHL. He served with the St. Louis Blues and helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2019 before joining the Maple Leafs staff.

Notable achievements

Van Ryn's major honours include an NCAA title as a player and a Stanley Cup as an assistant coach. He is also a former first-round NHL draft pick.

Key facts

  • Played 353 regular-season NHL games and recorded 129 points.
  • Spent his NHL playing career with the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Was selected 26th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
  • Won the 1998 NCAA national championship with the University of Michigan.
  • Became an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues and won the Stanley Cup in 2019.
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Canadian context

Van Ryn was born in London, Ontario, played for Team Canada at the international level, and is part of the Canadian NHL coaching and playing pipeline.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mike Van Ryn?
Mike Van Ryn is a Canadian former NHL defenceman and current hockey coach.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
When was he drafted?
He was drafted 26th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
What position did he play?
He played defence and shot right-handed.
Did he win a Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Van_Ryn
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, NHL teams, draft position, playing career, current coaching role.
  2. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vanrymi01.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, weight, career totals, retirement year.
  3. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8834/mike-van-ryn
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, position, shooting side, draft details, status.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/bio/_/id/973/mike-van-ryn
    Supports: Birthplace, position, draft info, NHL teams and seasons.
  5. University of Michigan Athletics — https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/6/12/ice-hockey-van-ryn-raises-stanley-cup-as-coach-of-the-st-louis-blues
    Supports: Michigan career, 1998 NCAA title, NHL career summary, 2019 Stanley Cup as assistant coach.
  6. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-add-guy-boucher-and-mike-van-ryn-to-coaching-staff-345389470
    Supports: Hiring by the Toronto Maple Leafs and prior St. Louis Blues assistant coach role.