The Arizona Wildcats are off to an early start in their 2020-21 recruiting class with the addition of defensive forward, Ryan Heck.

Heck, standing at 6’0” 185-pounds comes from Anchorage, AK has spent the last couple of seasons playing in the USPHL-Premier league with the Florida Jr. Blades and Palm Beach Hawks.

“I picked Arizona because I love the atmosphere of the school and the community backing in the area,” said Ryan Heck. “it feels like home here with family just a few hours away instead of hallway around the country. I also like what coach Berman has built here and how the team has been building in an upward trajectory over the last few seasons.”

Heck is a defensive forward and penalty kill specialist with a ton of upside on the offensive side of the puck as well. Coach Berman was quick to point out why adding a player like this is so important to a championship culture.

“When we are building a team we look to add elite pieces,” said coach Berman. “I don’t need 30 goal scorers, we want elite pieces. Collectively, we can build an elite team. Ryan is tough to play against because he has a knack for sticks in lanes and an ability  to block shots at a consistent rate . I also like his offensive upside because of his persistence on pucks. He brings a strong work ethic and has an excellent attention to the details. To be successful in March you had better have a strong penalty kill and I think Ryan has a chance to make in immediate impact within that role”