{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}} {{Infobox ice hockey player | name = Brett Ritchie | image = Brett Ritchie (cropped).jpg | image_size = 230px | caption = Ritchie with the Texas Stars in 2014 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|7|1}} | birth_place = Orangeville, Ontario, Canada | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 4 | weight_lb = 220 | position = Right wing | shoots = Right | league = Slovak Extraliga | team = Vlci Žilina | former_teams = Dallas Stars<br />Boston Bruins<br />Calgary Flames<br />Arizona Coyotes<br />HC Dinamo Minsk<br />HK Nitra<br />Schwenninger Wild Wings<br />Villacher SV<br />Sheffield Steelers | draft = 44th overall | draft_year = 2011 | draft_team = Dallas Stars | career_start = 2013 | career_end = }} '''Brett Ritchie''' (born July 1, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the Vlci Žilina of the Slovak Extraliga. He has formerly played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Dallas Stars, 44th overall, in the 2011 NHL entry draft.
==Playing career== Ritchie attended The Hill Academy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/devin-shore-brett-ritchie-reunited-with-dallas/c-283181718|title = Devin Shore, Brett Ritchie reunited with Stars}}</ref>
===Junior=== In 2009–10 Ritchie scored 13 goals and 16 assists in 65 games for the Sarnia Sting during his first season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). During his second season, he missed approximately a month of the season due to mononucleosis, but despite playing just 49 games, his scoring improved to 21 goals and 20 assists during the 2010–11 season. Unfortunately, due to his illness during the mid-season, Ritchie missed his opportunity to play in the 2011 CHL Top Prospects Game.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ritchies-success-a-family-affair/ | title = Ritchie's success a family affair | publisher = Fox News | date = June 13, 2011 | access-date = June 13, 2011}}</ref>
On January 5, 2012 Ritchie was traded to the Niagara Icedogs for Guelph's 2012 2nd-round pick, Peterborough's 2014 2nd-round pick, and Niagara's own 2013 2nd and 5th-round picks – all of which Sarnia immediately traded to Mississauga to acquire goalie JP Anderson.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.sarniasting.com/article/sting-trade-ritchie-to-niagara | title = Sting trade Ritchie to Niagara | publisher = Sarnia Sting | date = 2012-01-05 | access-date = 2012-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.sarniasting.com/article/sting-acquire-jp-anderson-from-majors/113193 | title = Sting acquire JP Anderson from Majors | publisher = Sarnia Sting | date = 2012-01-05 | access-date = 2012-01-05}}</ref>
===Professional=== ====Dallas Stars==== On July 11, 2012, Ritchie signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.<ref>{{cite web |title=DALLAS STARS SIGN BRETT RITCHIE AND TROY VANCE TO THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL DEALS |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-sign-brett-ritchie-and-troy-vance-to-three-year-entry-level-deals/c-637706 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=July 11, 2012}}</ref> After attending the Stars' training camp, he returned to the OHL for the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Assign Players to AHL and Junior Teams |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-assign-players-to-ahl-and-junior-teams/c-641422 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 14, 2012}}</ref> At the conclusion of the 2012–13 season, Ritchie was reassigned to the Stars' American Hockey League associate, the Texas Stars, for the remainder of the 2012–13 AHL season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Assign Toby Petersen and Brett Ritchie to Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-assign-toby-petersen-and-brett-ritchie-to-texas-stars/c-663310 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 1, 2013}}</ref> He made his professional debut on April 5, 2013, where he scored his first professional goal in a game against the Oklahoma City Barons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Video: Dallas prospect Brett Ritchie's first goal for Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/video-dallas-prospect-brett-ritchies-first-goal-for-texas-stars/c-664391 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 6, 2013}}</ref> A As the Texas Stars qualified for the 2013 Calder Cup playoffs, Ritchie scored the game-winning goal of Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal against the Milwaukee Admirals on April 27, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Brett Ritchie's OT goal gives Texas Stars 3-2 win in playoff opener |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/brett-ritchies-ot-goal-gives-texas-stars-3-2-win-in-playoff-opener/c-667924 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> thumb|Ritchie during the 2014 Calder Cup Finals. Ritchie joined the Dallas Stars at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars prospects look to shine at Traverse City tournament |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-prospects-look-to-shine-at-traverse-city-tournament/c-681470 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 5, 2013}}</ref> He also played with the Stars in their preseason games, spending time on their second power-play unit.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Lehtonen to Start in Goal, Seguin and Benn on Top Line as Stars Take on Florida Tonight |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/lehtonen-to-start-in-goal-seguin-and-benn-on-top-line-as-stars-take-on-florida-tonight/c-683028 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> However, he soon suffered a lower-body injury and missed numerous preseason games to recover.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Trevor Daley (upper body) Skates, but His Status is Still Unknown |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/trevor-daley-upper-body-skates-but-his-status-is-still-unknown/c-683731 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 23, 2013}}</ref> Following the conclusion of the preseason, Ritchie was reassigned to the Texas Stars for the 2013–14 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-685956 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 8, 2013}}</ref> Ritchie began the season strong, tallying two goals and seven assists to tie for ninth among AHL rookies in scoring by early November.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-690093 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 5, 2013}}</ref> By the end of the month, he ranked seventh among rookies as he had added two more goals and four more assists for 15 points through 20 games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-693203 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 26, 2013}}</ref> He began January tied for 11th in rookie scoring with 23 points through 36 games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-699461 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 7, 2014}}</ref> Ritchie quickly picked up production throughout January and scored seven goals through 13 games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-704664 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=February 11, 2014}}</ref> In early April, Ritchie set a franchise-record by scoring four goals in a 5–1 win over the Lake Erie Monsters.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report: Winning Streak Hits Nine |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report-winning-streak-hits-nine/c-713380 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> However, he later suffered an injury and was not expected to be ready to start the 2014 Calder Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-715931 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> He finished the regular season with 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points through 68 games.<ref name="prospect">{{cite web |last1=Morreale |first1=Mike G. |title=30in30: Stars' top 10 prospects led by scorer Ritchie |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/30in30-stars-top-10-prospects-led-by-scorer-ritchie/c-728207 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> Ritchie subsequently missed the first eight games of the playoffs before returning to the lineup for the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Grand Rapids Griffins. In his return, he scored a goal on the power play to lift the Stars 7–1 over the Griffins and advance them to the Western Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Rout Grand Rapids 7-1, Advance to Western Conference Finals |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-rout-grand-rapids-7-1-advance-to-western-conference-finals/c-719897 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=May 19, 2014}}</ref> Despite missing numerous games, Ritchie immediately brought offensive production to the Stars lineup and quickly scored three goals in three games. Two of his goals came during Texas' 6–3 win over the Toronto Marlies to even their series to 1–1.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Brett Ritchie's Return a Boost for Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/brett-ritchies-return-a-boost-for-texas-stars/c-721015 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> Ritchie scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to advance the Stars to the 2014 Calder Cup Finals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Rally Past Toronto, Advance to Calder Cup Finals |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-rally-past-toronto-advance-to-calder-cup-finals/c-721670 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> He scored another goal in Game 5 to lift the Stars to a 4–3 victory over the St. John's IceCaps and secure their first Calder Cup.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Nemeth's OT Goal Lifts Texas Stars to Calder Cup Championship |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/nemeths-ot-goal-lifts-texas-stars-to-calder-cup-championship/c-722984 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=June 18, 2014}}</ref> Ritchie finished the postseason with seven goals and 11 points in 13 games in the Calder Cup Playoffs.<ref name="prospect"/>
[[File:Brett Ritchie (March 13, 2015) (16619522427).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Ritchie with the Dallas Stars in 2015.]]
Following their Calder Cup win, Ritchie returned to the Dallas Stars' training camp and participated in his second NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars Prospects Ready to Hit the Ice in Traverse City |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-prospects-ready-to-hit-the-ice-in-traverse-city/c-730262 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 12, 2014}}</ref> Although the Stars won their game against the Carolina Hurricanes prospects, Ritchie injured his right pinky and was expected to remain out for the remainder of the tournament as a precaution.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars Prospects Defeat Carolina, but Lose Brett Ritchie |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-prospects-defeat-carolina-but-lose-brett-ritchie/c-730403 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 14, 2014}}</ref> After spending two weeks in recovery, Ritchie returned to the Stars lineup for their third exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on September 26.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Lineups, Notes for Stars vs. Lightning |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/lineups-notes-for-stars-vs-lightning/c-731907 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> On October 1, Ritchie and Jyrki Jokipakka were reassigned to the AHL to start the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Reduce Training Camp Roster By Two |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-reduce-training-camp-roster-by-two/c-732518 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> He began his sophomore season with the Texas Stars going scoreless in his first five games despite ranking second in the AHL with 30 shots on goal.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-736425 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 28, 2014}}</ref> He later missed some games through November and December due to illness and injury.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-741935 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=December 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-740915 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 25, 2014}}</ref> Upon recovering, he scored his second hat-trick with the Stars during their game against the Charlotte Checkers on December 27, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=Sean |title=Ritchie's hat trick helps Stars beat Checkers |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2014/12/28/ritchies-hat-trick-helps-stars-beat-checkers/9959569007/ |access-date=March 14, 2023 |publisher=Austin-American Statesman |date=December 27, 2014}}</ref> Following this game, he led the team with 11 goals and tied for third on the team with 18 points. As a result of his outstanding play, he was recalled to the NHL level for the first time of the season on December 31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Recall Forward Brett Ritchie from Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-recall-forward-brett-ritchie-from-texas-stars/c-746452 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=December 31, 2014}}</ref> Ritchie subsequently scored the game-winning goal in his NHL debut as the Stars shutout the Arizona Coyotes 6–0 on January 1. He became the first Stars player to score his first NHL goal in his first NHL game since Antoine Roussel in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Brett Ritchie Scores in NHL Debut as Stars Crush Coyotes, 6-0 |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/brett-ritchie-scores-in-nhl-debut-as-stars-crush-coyotes-6-0/c-746596 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 1, 2015}}</ref> After scoring in the following game, he also became the first Stars player to score a goal in each of his first two games since Mike Modano in 1989-90.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars Keep Rolling With 7-1 Rout of Wild |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-keep-rolling-with-7-1-rout-of-wild/c-747035 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 4, 2015}}</ref> He earned playing time on the Stars' top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Slow Start Costly as Stars Fall to Blue Jackets, 4-2 |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/slow-start-costly-as-stars-fall-to-blue-jackets-4-2/c-747477 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 7, 2015}}</ref> as he tallied three goals in his first six NHL games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars Let Early Lead Slip Away, Fall to Avalanche |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-let-early-lead-slip-away-fall-to-avalanche/c-748115 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 10, 2015}}</ref> As Seguin and Benn struggled to produce, head coach Lindy Ruff placed Ritchie on a line with Benn and Cody Eakin.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Wednesday Update: Line Juggling, Goaltending Talk |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/wednesday-update-line-juggling-goaltending-talk/c-748711 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> However, this was short-lived as Ritchie suffered an undisclosed injury and was placed on injured reserve prior to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game break.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Daley and Ritchie Out, Fiddler Back in Tonight vs. Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/daley-and-ritchie-out-fiddler-back-in-tonight-vs-capitals/c-749174 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 17, 2015}}</ref> At the time of the injury, Ritchie had tallied four points and a +8 plus/minus rating in eight NHL games. He was eventually reassigned to the Texas Stars but was recalled on February 5.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Recall Right Wing Brett Ritchie from Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-recall-right-wing-brett-ritchie-from-texas-stars/c-751809 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=February 5, 2015}}</ref> He went pointless in two more games before being returned to the AHL level.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Reassign Right Wing Brett Ritchie To Texas Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-reassign-right-wing-brett-ritchie-to-texas-stars/c-752885 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=February 11, 2015}}</ref> However, as a result of injuries to Seguin, Patrick Eaves, and Ales Hemsky, Ritchie returned to the Dallas Stars on February 14.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Injury Updates: Seguin Could Miss 3-6 Weeks With Knee Injury; Eaves Out With Concussion |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/injury-updates-seguin-could-miss-3-6-weeks-with-knee-injury-eaves-out-with-concussion/c-753360 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> He was reassigned to the Texas Stars temporarily just prior to the NHL trade deadline so that he would be eligible for the AHL playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Report |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-report/c-756291 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> Upon returning to the Dallas Stars, Ruff put Ritchie on a line with Shawn Horcoff and Curtis McKenzie,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Horcoff Making an Impact on McKenzie, Ritchie |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/horcoff-making-an-impact-on-mckenzie-ritchie/c-758096 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> although both Ritchie and McKenzie were reassigned to the Texas Stars on March 31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars Reassign LW Curtis McKenzie and RW Brett Ritchie To Texas |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-reassign-lw-curtis-mckenzie-and-rw-brett-ritchie-to-texas/c-760748 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 31, 2015}}</ref> He helped the Texas Stars qualify for the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs and tied for the team lead in scoring before they were eliminated by the Rockford IceHogs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Texas Stars Fall in OT, Eliminated From AHL Playoffs |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/texas-stars-fall-in-ot-eliminated-from-ahl-playoffs/c-765857 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>
Ritchie underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his wrist during the 2015 offseason and was expected to recover within three to four months.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brett Ritchie Undergoes Successful Surgery |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/brett-ritchie-undergoes-successful-surgery/c-778400 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=September 8, 2015}}</ref> Upon returning to the ice, he began the 2015–16 season in the AHL with the Texas Stars. He accumulated 14 goals and 28 points through 35 games before making his NHL season debut on March 4, 2016.<ref name="spotlight">{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=Steve |title=Stars' Ritchie in spotlight for season debut |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-dallas-stars-brett-ritchie/c-279350628 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> Despite playing on the Stars' top line in his season debut,<ref name="spotlight"/> he quickly became a healthy scratch for numerous games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=Steve |title=Stars' Sharp back in lineup vs. Lightning |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-sharp-of-stars-in-lineup-vs-lightning/c-279669794 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 17, 2016}}</ref> He later suffered another upper-body injury and missed eight games to recover.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=Steve |title=Game-time decision on Stars' Seguin |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-seguin-may-return-against-wild/c-280326678 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 16, 2016}}</ref> He was eventually reassigned to the AHL but returned to the Dallas Stars' lineup after the Texas Stars were eliminated from the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=Steve |title=Stars' Eaves may miss Game 2 vs. Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-eaves-may-miss-game-2/c-280523782 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=April 30, 2016}}</ref> In his NHL postseason debut, Ritchie played an average of 6:36 through 11 shifts during the Stars' Game 4 win over the St. Louis Blues.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hunt |first1=Steve |title=Stars hope early start, home ice work in their favor |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/stars-prepare-for-game-5-vs-blues/c-280589222 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=May 6, 2016}}</ref>
After a healthy preseason, Ritchie started the 2016–17 season on the Dallas Stars' roster.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stars opening night roster announced |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-announce-opening-night-roster-for-2016-17-season/c-282559364 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 11, 2016}}</ref> In his first full season with the Dallas Stars, he ranked fourth on the team with 16 goals and shared eighth on the club with two game-winning goals.<ref name="IR">{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars place forward Brett Ritchie on injured reserve |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-place-forward-brett-ritchie-on-injured-reserve/c-292653230 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 5, 2017}}</ref> He began the season accumulating two goals and an assist as the lineup suffered numerous injuries.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shapiro |first1=Sean |title=Devin Shore, Brett Ritchie reunited with Stars |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/devin-shore-brett-ritchie-reunited-with-dallas/c-283181718 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 29, 2016}}</ref> During a 5–2 win over Predators on December 8, Ritchie set a new career high for goals in a season by tallying his seventh in the first period.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Stars' best players fuel 5-2 win over Predators |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/stars-best-players-fuel-5-2-win-over-predators/c-284537608 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> He would later experience a 13-game goal slump which he broke in a 6–4 win over the Los Angeles Kings on January 9.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dillman |first1=Lisa |title=Jiri Hudler lifts Stars past Kings |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-los-angeles-kings-game-recap/c-285513496 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> Following a season-ending injury to Roussel in March, Ritchie was expected to gain a larger role on the ice and accept more responsibilities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shapiro |first1=Sean |title=Antoine Roussel of Stars to miss rest of season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-antoine-roussel-likely-to-miss-rest-of-season/c-287344082 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=March 3, 2017}}</ref> He earned time on the Stars' second power play unit alongside forwards Jason Spezza and Devin Shore.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Back on the road |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/back-on-the-road/c-287614394 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=March 11, 2017}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, the Stars extended a qualifying offer to Ritchie to retain his negotiating rights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars announce qualifying offers |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-announce-qualifying-offers/c-290156934 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=June 26, 2017}}</ref> He eventually signed a two-year, $3.5-million contract extension to remain with the team on July 6, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Stars re-sign Brett Ritchie to a two-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-re-sign-brett-ritchie-to-a-two-year-contract/c-290315192 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=July 6, 2017}}</ref>
Ritchie began the 2017–18 season registering two points in 12 games and ranked second on the Stars with 33 hits. He was later placed on injured reserve following an injury on October 30.<ref name="IR"/> Ritchie returned to the Stars' lineup on November 10 after missing three games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stepneski |first1=Mark |title=Faksa, Ritchie both in for Stars tonight vs. Islanders |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/radek-faksa-and-brett-ritchie-both-in-for-dallas-stars-tonight-vs-new-york-islanders/c-292836600 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 10, 2017}}</ref>
====Boston Bruins==== After seven seasons within the Stars organization, on June 25, 2019, Ritchie was not tendered a qualifying offer enabling him to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stars announce qualifying offers to six players |url=https://www.nhl.com/stars/news/dallas-stars-announce-qualifying-offers-to-six-players/c-308057402 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=June 25, 2019}}</ref> Marking his 26th birthday on the opening day of free agency, Ritchie was signed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bruins Announce Seven Transactions On July 1 |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-announce-seven-transactions-on-july-1/c-308149348 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=July 1, 2019}}</ref> He made his season debut with the Bruins on October 3, against the Dallas Stars. He subsequently scored the first goal of the 2019–20 season to lift them to a 2–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Eric |title=Ritchie's Debut Tally Helps B's to Opening Night Win |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/ritchies-debut-tally-helps-bs-to-opening-night-win/c-309733196 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 4, 2019}}</ref> Following the season opener, he tallied two goals and three points in 14 games before missing several more contests due to various injuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bruins' Brett Ritchie (infection) out again vs. Sabres with flare up of previous injury |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins/bruins-brett-ritchie-infection-out-again-vs-sabres-flare-previous-injury |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> He missed seven games to recover from an infection before returning to the Bruins lineup on November 23.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Eric |title=Need to Know: Bruins vs. Wild |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/need-to-know-bruins-vs-wild/c-311680672 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 23, 2019}}</ref> However, his return was short-lived as his infection continued to flare up.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Eric |title=Bergeron to Miss Road Trip with Lower-Body Injury |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bergeron-to-miss-road-trip-with-lower-body-injury/c-311769392 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> He missed seven more games to recover from the infection before returning to the lineup again on December 7.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Eric |title=Need to Know: Bruins vs. Avalanche |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/need-to-know-bruins-vs-avalanche/c-312273680 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=December 7, 2019}}</ref> He was eventually reassigned to the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins on January 15 after accumulating two goals and four assists for six points through 27 games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bruins Place Brett Ritchie On Waivers For Purpose Of Assignment |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-place-brett-ritchie-on-waivers-for-purpose-of-assignment/c-313975562 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 15, 2020}}</ref>
====Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes==== As a free agent from the Bruins, Ritchie was left unsigned entering training camp for the delayed 2020–21 season. On January 9, 2021, Ritchie was invited to join the Calgary Flames training camp on a professional tryout basis.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Torie |title=CAMP NOTEBOOK - 09.01.21 |url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/camp-notebook---090121/c-320155270 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 9, 2021}}</ref> After impressing at training camp, Ritchie signed a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $700,000 with the Calgary Flames on January 17, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=FLAMES SIGN BRETT RITCHIE |url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flames-sign-brett-ritchie/c-320395664 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 14, 2023 |date=January 17, 2021}}</ref> After concluding his second season with the Flames, Ritchie was left to explore free agency before re-signing with the Flames approaching training camp to a one-year, $750,000 contract on September 22, 2022.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flames-re-sign-brett-ritchie/c-335657434 | title = Flames re-sign Brett Ritchie | publisher = Calgary Flames | date = September 22, 2022 | access-date = September 22, 2022}}</ref>
In the following 2022–23 season, Ritchie added six goals through 34 regular season games before he was dealt at the NHL trade deadline along with Connor Mackey to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for his younger brother Nick Ritchie and Troy Stecher on March 3, 2023.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/coyotes/news/coyotes-acquire-ritchie--mackey-from-calgary-in-exchange-for-ritchie--stecher/c-341790078 | title = Coyotes acquire Ritchie & Mackey from Calgary for Ritchie & Stecher | publisher = Arizona Coyotes | date = March 3, 2023 | access-date = March 3, 2023 }}</ref> The trade marked the first time in NHL history that brothers had been traded for each other,<ref>{{cite web |title=Flames, Coyotes trade Ritchie brothers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ritchie-brothers-in-trade-between-calgary-flames-arizona-coyotes/c-341792438 |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 4, 2023 |date=March 3, 2023 |quote=It is the first trade ever involving two brothers.}}</ref> but the second time overall in North American professional sports, following a 2008 National Basketball Association (NBA) trade that saw Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol traded for each other.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
===Overseas=== On November 18, 2023, Ritchie signed a one-year contract with HC Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).<ref>{{cite web |title=Заключен контракт с канадским форвардом Бреттом Ричи |url=https://hcdinamo.by/news/intervyu/zaklyuchen-kontrakt-s-kanadskim-forvardom-brettom-richi/ |website=HC Dinamo Minsk |access-date=November 18, 2023}}</ref> However, his season was limited to only 12 regular-season and two playoff games.
On September 25, 2024, he signed a one-year contract with HK Nitra in the Slovak Extraliga.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brett Ritchie signs in Slovakia |url=https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/brett-ritchie-signs-in-slovakia |website=The Hockey News |access-date=September 24, 2024}}</ref> After recording 24 points in 28 games, which included two games against brother Nick playing for HC Nové Zámky,<ref>{{cite web |title= VIDEOS: "That Was Cool," Say Ritchie Brothers After Facing Each Other In Slovak League |url=https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/that-was-cool-say-ritchie-brothers-after-facing-each-other-in-slovak-league |website=The Hockey News |date=November 3, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref> Ritchie was released from his contract so he could sign with the Schwenninger Wild Wings in Germany. According to Nitra club president Miroslav Kováčik, the reason for his release was that Slovak league officiating did not allow Ritchie or other skilled players to fulfill their offensive potential.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brett Ritchie Moves From Slovakia To Germany – Nitra Club President Blames Slovak Refs |url=https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/brett-ritchie-moves-from-slovakia-to-germany-nitra-club-president-blames-slovak-refsa |website=The Hockey News |access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref>
Ritchie started the 2025–26 with Villacher SV but after playing just eight games (on a tryout) he was released on January 6th.<ref>https://www.ecvsv.at/tryout-mit-brett-ritchie-vorzeitig-beendet/</ref> Just a short 3 days after he was released from Villacher SV it was announced he had signed for the Sheffield Steelers.<ref>https://www.sheffieldsteelers.co.uk/brett-ritchie-joins-the-steelers/</ref> On may 14th 2026, Ritchie signed with Slovakian side Vlci Žilina.<ref>https://vlcizilina.hockeyslovakia.sk/sk/article/vlci-pridavaju-nhl-silu-do-ziliny-mieri-brett-ritchie</ref>
==Early life== Ritchie was born on July 1, 1993, in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada<ref name="EP">{{cite web |title=Brett Ritchie |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/45554/brett-ritchie|website=eliteprospects.com |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=March 12, 2021}}</ref> to parents Paul and Tammy. Ritchie comes from an athletic family with both his parents and younger brother engaging in various sports throughout their lifetime. His mother was a three-sport athlete while attending Brock University and his father played in the Ontario Hockey League.<ref name="profile">{{cite web |title=Profile on Ducks First Round Draft Pick Nick Ritchie |url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/profile-on-ducks-first-round-draft-pick-nick-ritchie/c-724234 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 12, 2021 |date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Before his brother Nick was drafted in the 2014 NHL entry draft, they competed in lacrosse together.<ref name="LAX">{{cite web |last1=Ingemi |first1=Marisa |title=LACROSSE ROOTS RUN DEEP FOR FOUR NHL PLAYERS |url=https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/pro/nll/lacrosse-roots-run-deep-for-four-nhl-players |website=uslaxmagazine.com |access-date=March 12, 2021 |date=February 14, 2018}}</ref> Brett's younger brother, Nick Ritchie, plays in the NHL for the Calgary Flames. Nick was drafted 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks at the NHL entry draft. During the 2012–13 season, Ritchie played with Team Canada to win gold medals at both the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships.
==Career statistics==
===Regular season and playoffs=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em;" |- style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Regular season ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Playoffs |- style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2009–10 | Sarnia Sting | OHL | 65 || 13 || 16 || 29 || 35 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2010–11 | Sarnia Sting | OHL | 49 || 21 || 20 || 41 || 47 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2011–12 | Sarnia Sting | OHL | 23 || 8 || 7 || 15 || 30 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2011–12 | Niagara IceDogs | OHL | 30 || 16 || 14 || 30 || 24 | 19 || 3 || 8 || 11 || 14 |- | 2012–13 | Niagara IceDogs | OHL | 53 || 41 || 35 || 76 || 40 | 4 || 1 || 3 || 4 || 9 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2012–13 | Texas Stars | AHL | 5 || 3 || 1 || 4 || 0 | 9 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 2 |- | 2013–14 | Texas Stars | AHL | 68 || 22 || 26 || 48 || 53 | 13 || 7 || 4 || 11 || 10 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014–15 | Texas Stars | AHL | 33 || 14 || 7 || 21 || 40 | 3 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 |- | 2014–15 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 31 || 6 || 3 || 9 || 12 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2015–16 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 8 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 7 | 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- | 2015–16 | Texas Stars | AHL | 35 || 14 || 14 || 28 || 26 | 3 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016–17 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 78 || 16 || 8 || 24 || 38 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2017–18 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 71 || 7 || 7 || 14 || 42 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | Dallas Stars | NHL | 53 || 4 || 2 || 6 || 57 | 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |- | 2019–20 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 27 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 21 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | Providence Bruins | AHL | 12 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 6 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2020–21 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 32 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 24 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 41 || 3 || 1 || 4 || 29 | 7 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 4 |- | 2022–23 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 34 || 6 || 2 || 8 || 23 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Arizona Coyotes | NHL | 16 || 2 || 3 || 5 || 2 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2023–24 | Dinamo Minsk | KHL | 12 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 10 | 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | HK Nitra | Slovak | 28 || 12 || 12 || 24 || 22 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2024–25 | Schwenninger Wild Wings | DEL | 19 || 6 || 4 || 10 || 16 | 3 || 3 || 1 || 4 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2025–26 | Villacher SV | ICEHL | 8 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2025–26 | Sheffield Steelers | EIHL | 24 || 12 || 10 || 22 || 4 | 2 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 391 !! 50 !! 35 !! 85 !! 255 ! 10 !! 2 !! 0 !! 2 !! 6 |} {{MedalTableTop| name = }} {{MedalCountry | {{ih|CAN}} }} {{MedalSport | Men's ice hockey}} {{MedalCompetition|World U-17 Hockey Challenge}} {{MedalSilver| 2010 Ontario|}} {{MedalBottom}}
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- ALIGN="center" | 2010 | Canada Ontario | U17 | {{gold1}} | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2011 | Canada | U18 | 4th | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 6 |- ALIGN="center" | 2011 | Canada | IH18 | {{gold1}} | 5 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2013 | Canada | WJC | 4th | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="4" | Junior totals ! 24 ! 11 ! 7 ! 18 ! 16 |}
==Awards and honours== {| class="wikitable" ! Honours ! Year ! |- | World U-17 Hockey Challenge silver medal | 2010 | <ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.eliteprospects.com/awards.php?award=U17%20WHC%20Silver%20Medal | title = World U17 medalists | publisher = eliteprospects.com | date = 2015-04-06 | access-date = 2015-04-06}}</ref> |- | Calder Cup champion | 2014 | |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Ice hockey stats}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ritchie, Brett}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:Arizona Coyotes players Category:Boston Bruins players Category:Calgary Flames players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Canadian ice hockey right wingers Category:Dallas Stars draft picks Category:Dallas Stars players Category:HC Dinamo Minsk players Category:Ice hockey people from Ontario Category:Niagara IceDogs players Category:HK Nitra players Category:Sportspeople from Orangeville, Ontario Category:Providence Bruins players Category:Sarnia Sting players Category:Schwenninger Wild Wings players Category:Texas Stars players Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen Category:Sheffield Steelers players