The Vegas Golden Knights have made a significant move by signing defenseman Bronson Ride to a three-year, entry-level contract. This young blueliner, known for his gritty, stay-at-home style, has carved out a reputation in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) over five seasons.
Ride's journey in the OHL began when the Windsor Spitfires selected him in the second round of the 2021 OHL Draft. The Oakville, Ontario native didn't stay put for long, as he was traded to the Niagara IceDogs in January 2023. His travels continued when the IceDogs moved him to the North Bay Battalion on January 7, 2024.
During his time with North Bay, Ride emerged as a leader both on and off the ice. While not known for his offensive prowess, he reached career highs with 17 assists and 21 points in the 2025-26 season, also serving as an assistant captain. Consistency was key for Ride, as he notched at least 10 points in each of his last four seasons, including a career-best six goals in the 2024-25 campaign.
Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing over 200 pounds, Ride is a formidable presence on the ice. His physical style of play is evident in his penalty minutes, amassing over 65 in the past two seasons and peaking at 87 last year. Known for his toughness, Ride engaged in 10 fights throughout his OHL career, according to HockeyFights.com.
With his size and defensive capabilities, Ride is set to bring a robust presence to the Golden Knights' blue line. Fans should keep an eye on how his game translates to the NHL, as his journey from junior hockey to the professional stage unfolds.