Henrik Rybinski is a 20 year old Canadian forward, who most recently played with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.
After a solid season in U18 AAA, Rybinski began playing with the Medicine Hat Tigers. In 2 seasons with the club, he tallied 17 points over 77 games. Rybinski also spent time in the BCHL with the Coquitlam Express, where in 9 games he had 12 points. He returned to the WHL, and began playing with Seattle during the second half of the 2018-19 season. In 3 seasons with the Thunderbirds, Rybinski has totaled 94 points in 109 games.
In the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Rybinski was taken in Round 5 by the Florida Panthers.
This offseason, The Edmonton Oilers invited Rybinski to prospect camp, and many fans, myself included, are excited to see what the kid could bring.
I was able to reach Rybinski on Instagram and asked him a few questions.
Who was your favorite player/team growing up & why?
My favorite player growing up was Saku Koivu, my dad and I were Habs fans and I just loved the way he played
The WHL had a shortened season, how were you able to adapt to it?
Nothing really changed just had to be ready to play. It taught me the importance of being consistent every night.
What is a trait you have when playing, that you feel is your strongest?
I would say my ability to get on players to steal the puck from them and make a play. I generate a lot of my offence that way.
If you had any advice for younger kids aspiring to make it professionally in hockey, what would that advice be?
I would say always having an open mindset and focusing on always improving every day. Whether that’s watching video, shooting pucks or skating, just always try to better yourself.
A huge thank you to Henrik Rybinski for taking the time to chat!