(Windsor) The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce that Amercian born forward Kenny Ryan has received his transfer from USA Hockey, granting him permission to play for the Spitfires organization this season.  Ryan originally planned to attend Boston College but opted to join the defending 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions and showcase his talents in the Ontario Hockey League.

The 18 year-old Franklin Village, Michigan native was originally selected by the Spitfires in the seventh round of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.  Ryan was also selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round at this past year's NHL Entry Draft.  The six-foot, 204 pound right-winger scored 27 goals and 49 points with 50 penalty minutes in 62 games during the 2008-2009 season with the U.S Under-18 National Development Program.

Ryan will be officially joining the Spitfires today and will participate in the team’s practice this afternoon.  He will be in the lineup when the Spitfires take on the London Knights this Thursday at the WFCU Centre.  Game time is set for 7:05 pm.

Windsor Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner as well as Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel, and Kenny Ryan will be available for interviews from 1 – 2 pm today at the WFCU Centre.

Tickets for Spitfire home games can be purchased at the TekSavvy.com Box Office within the WFCU Centre, by calling (519) 254-5000 or at windsorspitfires.com

Feature photo courtesy Nancy Battaglia, USA Hockey.