A 5'11" native of San Diego, CA, Ruhwedel was recently named a first team CCM All-American after netting seven goals, 23 points, and a plus-16 rating in his third season with the River Hawks. The USHL product has developed a reputation as a very strong defensive player with good skating skills, a nice wrist shot, and an ability to provide a good push from the back end. The River Hawks functioned as one of the stingiest defensive groups in 2012-13 en route to gaining a berth in the NCAA Frozen Four before falling to Yale. Ruhwedel, an assistant captain, was a huge part of their own-zone success with his smarts and steady decision making.
The 22-year old Ruhwedel, who will forego his final year of NCAA eligibility, could make his professional debut with the Sabres over the weekend. He joins Mike Kostka (UMass - 2008), Brian Flynn (Maine - 2012), and Tim Schaller (Providence - 2013) as recent Hockey East products to earn free agent contracts from the Sabres organization.
