Arizona State hockey picks up commitment from five-star

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State hockey picked up a massive verbal commitment from a five-star prospect earlier this week. 16-year-old Ryder Betzold has committed to play hockey for the Sun Devils.

Arizona State hockey gets pledge from five-star

The 16-year-old out of Farmington, Minnesota has had a short, yet impressive start to his travel hockey days. The forward has been playing for the Minnesota Blades, a 15U AAA team, and also Gentry Academy which is a US hockey league team in Minnesota.

In the past two seasons for Gentry Academy Betzold has acquired 35 total points, 33 of those coming last season. Out of the 35 total points Betzold has 14 assists and 21 goals.

In addition with the seasons at Gentry Academy Betzold put up similar numbers in his one season with the Blades thus far.

Last season, Betzold acquired 24 total points in 20 games, eight goals and 16 assists.

These stats have turned some heads and allowed Betzold to go to an elite development camp and even be drafted into a developmental league.

This past July, Betzold was invited to the Biosteel player development camp for age 16 boys. In his five games, Betzold had two goals and an assist, that goal being on the power play.

Betzold drafted to USHL

All of these multi-point performances led to a shot at the USHL, United States Hockey League, an amateur league sanctioned by USA Hockey.

In the 2023 USHL draft, Betzold was taken second overall by the Chicago Steel.

In an interview after the draft, Betzold was asked why he believes the Steel took him saying, “I’m a puck possession guy, I like to make plays.”

Betzold will look to help ASU hockey make plays starting with the 2026 season. Until then we will have to watch him tear up the USHL.

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