OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.–Ryan Kelsey is now in the big leagues.
Kelsey, who served as Equipment Manager for the Warriors during their first two seasons in Wichita Falls, has been hired by the San Jose Sharks as an Assistant Equipment Manager. He will be with the Sharks every step of their upcoming season as one of three traveling equipment managers.
For the Orange County, Calif. native, the desire to become an equipment manager came about while working for the Anaheim Ducks as a game day assistant. Kelsey would help the visiting teams with their gear and get a glimpse into what working in hockey entailed. It piqued his interest right away, and he found that opportunity with the Warriors.
“I really had no idea anything about the North American Hockey League or any kind of junior hockey,” Kelsey said. “I only knew of professional hockey (growing up in California). To be a part of it and to see what a good level of hockey it was, how competitive it was, and how many kids advance to Division I college hockey. I absolutely loved it.”
Kelsey (left), pictured with assistant coach Keenan Kelly (middle) and head coach Garrett Roth (right), joined a new NAHL franchise and made an immediate impact. Using his prior professional experience in Anaheim, Kelsey helped set the professional standards Roth had in mind for the team in its inaugural season. Those norms still stand today.
“Ryan’s professionalism, ability to relate with the players, and ability to do anything he could to give them the best experience possible,” Roth said, “Were a huge part in creating the culture that we are all here to help these guys move on. I do not think we would have been able to establish that without Ryan being here.”
The nature of junior hockey allowed for personal and professional growth, too. Lengthy bus rides, three-game weekends, time spent at the home rink and on the road all lead to team bonding, staff members included. Kelsey, and all the Warriors, stuck together through the highs and lows of the junior hockey experience during two seasons that saw the group win a combined 65 games and clinch a playoff berth both years.
“It felt more intimate in a way,” Kelsey said. “You got to know the players on a more personal level and be a part of their journey. You are more involved in their lives. I felt like I had an impact, showing guys what it is like at higher levels, but also trying to help them becoming better people, and that helped me become a better equipment manager and person.”
Kelsey’s work ethic did not go unnoticed. After just those two years in Wichita Falls, the San Diego Gulls–Anaheim’s American Hockey League affiliate–came calling for an Assistant Equipment Manager opening. It took only one season in the AHL for a National Hockey League club to seek out his services. That is an ascension from the NAHL to the NHL in less time than it takes to earn a college degree. From riding the bus to flying charter all over the continent in three short years.
“He is one of the nicest, hardest working guys ever,” Mary Anne Choi, owner and governor of the Warriors, said. “We were lucky to have him for two seasons. Ryan worked super hard and always had a smile on his face. He never said ‘no.’ It is no surprise he made it to the NHL as quickly as he did. We are so proud to continue advancing people from all positions within our organization.”
Choi hired Kelsey in the summer of 2020. Ryan remains in touch with all his Warriors colleagues since his move back to the west coast and the organization’s relocation to Oklahoma City. To them, he represents not just a success story, but a friend for life.
“Our league and our organization want to help guys move on to the next level and advance their careers,” Roth said. “This was a great opportunity for him to do that. We were blessed to have him here and be with him for two years. I consider Ryan a close friend and learned a lot from him. I appreciate everything he has done for our organization and players.”
Now back in his home state of California, Ryan moved to San Jose earlier in the summer and is ready for a full-time taste of ‘the show.’ The Sharks’ preseason opener is only six weeks away. The regular season begins on October 12. Needless to say, there are a couple of new Sharks supporters in the Warriors’ office.
“I love the work, I love the game, I love what it is about, and the people,” Kelsey said. “It is a passion. For me, I think the biggest thing is doing things the right way and I think people notice that. I am excited.”
The 2023 Robertson Cup Champion Oklahoma Warriors are ready to kick off their second season at Blazers Ice Centre in Oklahoma City. Opening night is Friday, September 22 against Colorado. Season ticket packages are available through the end of August on www.oklahomawarriors.com.
