The '03 native of Holliston, MA began his junior hockey career at the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) level, with the Railers Jr. Hockey Club. There he registered 18 points for the Railers and produced at a point-per-game level in their 2023 Frozen Finals run.

This past season, he then split his age-out campaign between the Connecticut RoughRiders and Providence Hockey Club in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), finding his way to the scoresheet with a goal and six assists in 45 games. Six of those points came in 18 games with Providence.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be able to coach Ryan for a couple months," said Providence head coach and general manager Jeff Perreault. "He was a valuable asset to the success of our inaugural season. FPU is getting a fantastic, all-around defenseman, and an amazing player and person both on and off the ice.”

Dutcher is yet another of a player who took advantage of the league’s ladder of development, playing both EHLP and EHL, before moving on to NCAA hockey. He will be joined at FPU by three other Providence Hockey Club teammates in Matt Frett, Phillip Parker, and Thomas Perivolotis.

“I am very proud to be able to commit to Franklin Pierce,” said Dutcher. “I want to thank Coach Jeff and Coach Ben in Providence for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play lots of minutes and grow my game. I want to also thank all my teammates, and most importantly my family, for supporting me throughout my junior hockey career. I look forward to joining Franklin Pierce hockey this upcoming year. Go Ravens!”

Learn more about Providence on the team's official website, and check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.