Ryan McInerney is officially a Soo Greyhound.
The young forward was officially introduced in a press conference on Friday afternoon at Memorial Gardens. McIerney also officially signed his contract with the team at the conference.
McInerney, who did not officially turn 16 until nearly a month after the draft, spent the 2003-04 season with the Milton Ice Hawks of the Ontario Provincial Jr. A League. With Milton, McInerney posted 18 goals and 32 points in 49 games to go along with 12 penalty minutes.
In introducing the skilled forward, Hounds General Manager Dave Torrie said that the signing was "another step in the right direction for the Soo Greyhounds."
"We've spent two years watching him (since he played minor midget during the 2002-03 season)," Torrie added. "We had him rated as our top forward (in the draft). Someday he'll be a force in this league. We feel he's as ready as anybody in this draft (top step in and contribute)."
McInerney, who is a natural centre that can also play left wing, feels more comfortable as a centre, although he is willing to play where needed.
"I think offense a little more at centre," McInerney said. "I'm more comfortable at centre."
McInerney added that he hopes he will be able to step in and make an impact right away with the Hounds, and describes himself as an offensive threat on the ice.
"Hopefully I can make an impact right away," McInerney added. "I'm definitely an offensive player, whether it's goals or assists. I feel that I bring a lot of creativity to the team."
Hounds coach Marty Abrams was also pleased that the Greyhounds were able to land McInerney in the draft. He pointed out that at one point the forward was thought to be the top player available for the draft.
"We think he was one of the best forwards in the draft," Abrams said. "Losing guys like Jeff Doyle and Scott Dobben, we knew later we would need to replace that offense (the two combined for 49 goals last season). We're going to let (McInerney) be creative. We need to generate some offense."
With McInerney now signed on for next season, the Greyhounds will have another offensive weapon to look to although the team does plan to allow McInerney to develop as well.
They hope he will be able to step in as a top nine forward but if he doesn't, the Greyhounds are hoping to make sure he develops well and becomes the player they saw in him when they selected him fourth overall.
*** RIVALRY TICKET PACKAGE:
The Greyhounds also announced their rivalry ticket packages which will be available this season.
The package includes 16 games against the Greyhounds West Division rivals. For $195.14, Greyhound games against the Sarnia Sting, Plymouth Whalers, Saginaw Spirit and Windsor Spitfires are included at a discounted price.
Also included free as part of the package are the Greyhounds Sept. 17 exhibition game against Sudbury and their home opener against the Erie Otters.
The packages are available at the Memorial Gardens ticket office.
PHOTO: Greyhounds head coach Marty Abrams with McInerney.