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January 07.2026
3 Minutes Read

How Ryan Botterill Went From the Pitching Mound to the Hockey Rink

Young hockey player in red jersey, ready to throw, outdoors.

From the Mound to the Rink: A Journey Inspired by Passion

For many young athletes, the dream begins on a grassy field or a frozen pond. For Ryan Botterill, it blossomed in right field and on the ice of a homemade rink in his backyard in Manitoba. This two-sport star’s journey is a heartwarming testament to the magic of sports, and just how far passion can take you.

Baseball Dreams and Hockey Hearts

Ryan Botterill’s love for sports started early—his mom recalls him throwing a ball around at just 10 months old! Fast forward to his teen years, where he dazzled as both a pitcher and a budding hockey player. The balancing act of hitting home runs in the spring and scoring goals in the winter was the norm for Ryan, but the winds of change blew his way as he graduated high school.

In 2021, he faced a crucial decision: chase his dreams of Major League Baseball at the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Academy or return to what he referred to as the love of his life—hockey. Spoiler alert: Hockey won. He confessed, "I felt like I couldn’t live without hockey." That was the call of the ice, the music of skate blades slicing through frozen surfaces, and the thrill of scoring that kept pulling him back.

The Maybe-Not-So-Wild Wild Side of Wrigley Field

Ryan recently got to live out a moment he had long fantasized about when the Wisconsin men’s hockey team played at Wrigley Field. But if you think his highlight was the roar of 25,000 fans, think again! The real excitement came earlier that day while his teammates were daydreaming of playing in the outdoor rink arena; he was pitching on the very mound where baseball legends have graced. Styled in a baseball uniform, he threw a few pitches and finally felt, at that moment, like a kid again.

Imagine standing there, the historic ivy-covered walls of Wrigley surrounding you, and you’re facing home plate as if it were your childhood backyard!

Multi-Sport Marvel: How Baseball Shapes Hockey Skills

While some may argue it’s tricky to transition from baseball to hockey, Botterill begs to differ, and he's got the skills to prove it. Ryan attributes his powerful slap shots and strategic puck maneuvers to his days on the baseball diamond. He jokingly states that playing multiple sports made him not just athletic, but ultra-competitive, citing, "Playing a lot of sports helped me with my athleticism." His competitive spirit shines on the ice, where you can often catch him saying, "I don’t like to lose!"

The Community Connection and Support

Through this entire journey, Portage la Prairie has been Ryan’s rock. His family and the community cheered him on while he honed his skills with the Portage Terriers before stepping to the level of collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin. His former coach told him, "Every ice rink has a siren song, and it feels like you can conquer the world when you step on the ice." And conquer he has!

A Future Built on Love for the Game

With six goals already under his belt this season at Wisconsin, Botterill's talent shines brighter than the North Star! As he trains and bonds with teammates, he’s not just preparing to win games but also shaping a future filled with camaraderie, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments. And with a little humor, he quips, “I’ve put my heart into these ice storms, and I’ll just keep skating towards my dreams!”

Ryan’s multi-sport journey sets an example for young athletes everywhere. Whether you’re into fishing, hiking, or simply running after a soccer ball, remember: it’s not just about the scoreboard— it’s about the friendships, the fun, and the unforgettable experiences along the way.

So, next time you lace up your sneakers for a game or pack your gear for a camping trip in one of the gorgeous Wisconsin state parks, do so with a passionate heart! And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own Wrigley moment waiting for you.

Speaking of taking action, if you’re looking for ways to explore Wisconsin’s vibrant outdoor recreation options, from snowy trails perfect for snowmobiling to beautiful lakes for kayaking, you’ll always find a new adventure waiting just beyond your door!

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04.08.2026

Brewers vs. Red Sox: A Day of Baseball and Wisconsin Outdoor Fun

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04.07.2026

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