It was quite an introduction

Sporting News, The, May 31, 2004 by Kara Yorio

He came in quietly but made quite an impact before it was all over.

"Early in the season, guys were saying, 'Who are you?'" says Canadiens rookie Michael Ryder, a right winger. "(By the end), they check you more and know who you are."

Ryder, 24, led all rookies in scoring with 63 points and in assists with 38. He tied Islanders right winger Trent Hunter for the most goals scored by a rookie with with 25. With his individual success, Ryder helped the Canadiens get into the playoffs. For his impressive first season in the NHL, Ryder was voted SPORTING NEWS Rookie of the Year by the players. Ryder received 122 votes; Bruins goaltender Andrew Raycroft was second with 82.

"It's kind of surprising" Ryder says. "It's nice for the players to recognize what you did during the year."--K.Y.