From the Hockey Rink to the Frontlines: Remembering Ryan James Barnard #21 of West Point

Ryan James Barnard passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 22. Ryan was an active-duty Marine assigned to the 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 2nd Platoon, Ares Company, where he served with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment. Ryan, one of the sons of West Point Hockey President John Barnard, grew up playing youth hockey at West Point, from Mites through Midgets, forging deep and lasting friendships both on and off the ice. Known for his competitiveness, relentless work ethic, and fierce loyalty, Ryan exemplified what it means to be a true teammate and leader. He embodied the Army values of Duty, Honor, Country, and brought those same principles to the rink, the barracks, and beyond. He was an integral part of every season he played with his hockey family, the Junior Black Knights. The memories created together, traveling as a team to Lake Placid, Montreal, Delaware, Philadelphia, Hershey, Binghamton, Jay Peak, Annapolis, and so many places in between, will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Ryan had planned to return home after his service to coach in the very same hockey program where he grew up, continuing the tradition and spirit of West Point hockey.

The organization retired Ryan's #21, and added a commemorative RB 21 patch to every home white jersey. Additionally, the Ryan Barnard Grant Program was created to honor the enduring legacy of Ryan, whose larger-than-life personality exemplified the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. This program provides financial assistance to youth hockey players and military members who embody Ryan’s values and demonstrate need. Whether it's support for hockey tuition, education or medical expenses, or other life challenges, the grant is a tribute to Ryan’s spirit and legacy of leadership, resilience, and giving back. More information on the Grant Program can be found at www.jbkhockey.org/rbgrantprogram.

The organization also held a number of events with their hockey team players to honor the memory of one of their own:

- August 16, 2025 - 14U Trail of the Fallen Hike. Players from the 14U team carried up a 15-pound rock with RB 21 painted on it to leave at the memorial site in honor of Ryan.

- September 6, 2025 - 18U Trail of the Fallen Hike (with John Barnard and his wife). Players worked together to carry up an 85-pound rock with RB 21 painted on it to present to John and leave at the memorial site in honor of Ryan. The hike included past and current serving members of the Army, as well as a few ARMY D1 NCAA hockey players, all of whom talked to the team about brotherhood, sacrifice and what it means to be part of a team and represent West Point.

- September 26, 2025 - Inaugural West Point JBK Ryan Barnard Memorial Golf Outing at West Point Golf Course. Approximately 120 golfers and 150 total guests came to support the Ryan Barnard Grant Program and JBK Organization. The event was a huge success and will continue to grow and evolve. More information on past and future golf outings can be found at www.jbkhockey.org/golfouting.

Article contributed by Jake Pine, Manager, West Point Jr Black Knights Travel Hockey Association