Ryder Fetterolf, an 18-year-old Penn State commit, is set to take part in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Sewickley, Pennsylvania native is set to join Guy Gadowsky’s squad in the 2026-2027 season, draft pending.
Fetterolf is coming off of a successful season with the Ottawa 67s in the Ontario Hockey League. He had six shutouts with a .923 save percentage in his 41 games with the 67s this past season; the shutouts set a league record as the most for a rookie in a single OHL season.
Bio & metrics
Hometown: Sewickley, PA
DOB: 1/05/2008
Height: 6-foot
Catches: Left
Position: Goaltender
Juniors statistics
Record: 47-15-3
Shutouts: 6
Goals-against average: 2.07
Save percentage: .923
Awards
CHL Goaltender of the Year
OHL Dinty Moore Trophy
OHL First All-Rookie Team
OHL All-Star Team
OHL Goaltender of the Year
OHL Lowest Team Goals Against Average (Dave Pinkey Trophy)
Projections
Projected round drafted: Mid Round
Player comparison: Jacob Fowler
Scouting report
Standing at 6-foot, he is below the optimal height for NHL goalie prospects and will largely be considered a developmental pick.
Though he’s considered small, scouts have noted that it has little effect on his performance. The young American player is ranked No. 140 by Elite Prospects, No. 84 by Smaht Scouting, and the No. 11 North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.
Because of his size, Fetterolf must rely on his other attributes to make up for what his body can’t block. This forces him to hone in on his puck tracking strengths and quick reflexes. While he may not have the technical skill of others in his class, his athleticism makes up for it and his results don’t suffer.
Another struggle for Fetterolf is limiting multiple-chance shots. Coaches like Fetterolf because of his reliability, as his flexibility and refusal to give up on a play allows him to make these second and third stops in a possession.
While he can save these additional opportunities, his time in college athletics will allow him to work on eliminating extra shots for the offense all together.
Best team fit: Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is looking to draft a goalie but doesn’t appear to be desperate for one just yet. The Oilers have goalies in rotation but are looking toward a long term solution. Because it doesn’t seem urgent, drafting Fetterolf now would allow him to develop his skills and finish growing while he plays at Penn State.
Other teams in a similar situation would include the Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers.
With Fetterolf expected to be drafted between the third to fifth round range, and Edmonton having several mid-round picks, this could be a potential landing place for him.
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