Sweden’s Uppsala 86ers continue to tap into the Canadian football talent pool with the signing of defensive back Ryan Hector from Bishop’s University (Canada’s CIS).
This is the third season in a row that the 2018 Swedish Superserien semifinalists have brought in a Canadian player. Two years ago, Canadian junior running back and Manitoba native Victor St. Pierre-Laviolette started for the 86ers and last year Dylan Minshull, also from Manitoba, suited up for Uppsala.
Hector, a 6′, 194 lb, 27 year old native of Toronto, Ontario, finished his two-year career at Bishops with 81 tackles and 5 interceptions. He was named team MVP both seasons and league Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
Hector spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons playing for the GTA All Stars in Canada’s Northern Football Conference where he helped the team to back-to-back championships.
Uppsala head coach Acke Grünewald:
“Ryan is extremely versatile and just the type of player we were looking for.”
GTA All Stars head coach Donovan Wright, who coached Hector for two years:
“When the game is on the line, he’s the guy you want on the other team’s best player. Mr Big Game Hector.”
American Football International asked Ryan about signing for the first time in Europe and Sweden.
AFI: How did you find out about playing in Europe?
Hector: I signed up on a couple of websites including Europlayers.com and Uppsala contacted me.
AFI: What are your thoughts about playing in Sweden”
Hector: I am really excited. This is my first time in Europe and I am looking forward to it. I arrive in late February.
Check out Ryan’s highlights from Bishop’s Unversity
HIghlights from GTA All Stars
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