Known for his physical dominance and ability to frustrate forwards, Rylan Masterson has established himself as one of the toughest defensemen in the GOJHL. As the captain of last year’s Fort Erie Meteors, Masterson helped lead his team to the Golden Horseshoe Championship, solidifying his reputation as a leader who combines grit and skill to achieve success. Reflecting on the championship season, Masterson highlights the close-knit bond of the team. “It was an incredible year. The room was so tight — we all had the same goal in mind every day, and that made it easy to show up and work hard,” he says.
Masterson credits head coach Nik Passero for not only guiding the team to success but also fostering a culture of giving back. “Nik does so much for the community and runs the team so well,” Masterson shares. “We’ve been involved in school visits, pasta dinners, and fundraisers to support Fort Erie. He’s always pushing us to be better people, not just better players.”
“It’s surreal to play in front of so many people who care about the team.
Their support is incredible, and it makes every game feel bigger”
When it comes to his playing style, Masterson embraces the physicality of the game. “I wasn’t the most skilled guy when I entered the league, but I used my body to make an impact,” he explains. “My focus was on being a solid defensive defenseman — making that first pass, clearing the zone, and being an enforcer when needed.” Over the years, he’s added more dimensions to his game, earning powerplay time and improving his discipline. “Staying out of the box and avoiding bad penalties has been a big focus for me,” he notes.
Masterson’s approach to game days is simple and steady. “I like to keep things relaxed — wake up, grab a coffee and a bagel, maybe go for a drive. It’s about finding a rhythm and sticking to it,” he says.
The fans in Fort Erie hold a special place in Masterson’s heart. “It’s surreal to play in front of so many people who care about the team. Their support is incredible, and it makes every game feel bigger,” he says.
For Masterson, hockey has always been deeply personal. Growing up, he admired the physicality of junior hockey and wanted to emulate that style. His grandfather, who once owned the Niagara Falls Canucks, played a major role in shaping his love for the game. “He’s been my biggest influence. He got me on the ice at a young age, taught me everything I know, and has been there every step of the way,” Masterson shares.
One of his proudest moments as captain has been watching the younger players mature and grow. “Seeing the rookies gain confidence and take steps forward,” he says. Fort Erie over the years has been known for getting players to the next level after their initial GOJHL season.
Looking to the future, Masterson hopes to continue playing hockey while pursuing an education. “I’d love to play at the collegiate level and work toward a degree in something I’m interested in. Hockey has given me so much, and I want to keep playing as long as I can,” he says.
As for team goals, Masterson’s focus remains on helping his teammates succeed. “We want to keep building on what we’ve achieved and see our rookies move on to higher levels of hockey. Fort Erie has many similar pieces to last year’s championship run and could be poised for another led by Masterson.
One of Masterson’s favourite parts of playing for the Meteors is his connection with linemate RJ Schmidt. “RJ and I always had a natural connection from the start. He’s such a great shooter, and I know I can count on him to make things happen. We just click, and that makes the game so much more fun,” he says.
Whether he’s laying a big hit, making a crucial play, or mentoring a young player, Masterson continues to leave his mark on Fort Erie hockey.
