Ryan, whose family lives in West Dundee, Illinois, was selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (No. 30) of the 2013 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut Feb. 13, 2015, at home against the New Jersey Devils.
He played four more games for Chicago that season and three in 2015-16, playing most of those two seasons for nearby Rockford of the American Hockey League. He became a full-time Blackhawks player in 2016-17, finishing with 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 76 games.
In December of 2017, Craig became a Bar Down owner, joining one of his business partners who had owned the bar for 20 years. They then decided to make it an official Blackhawks bar, which was perfect because Ryan for playing for Chicago. But Ryan was soon traded to Nashville on Feb. 26, 2018. Then he was traded again this season, from the Predators to Flyers on Feb. 25.
"We put in renovations, became an official Blackhawks bar," said Kim, who is also an owner, "not knowing Ryan would be traded a few times along the way.
"The first (trade) was really tough, the second time it wasn't. We're just lucky he's playing in the NHL, so wherever it is, you're still playing, and someone wants you. It's exciting. For him, every time he's gotten traded, it brings the adrenaline back. He loves that. He loves proving himself."
Just as Predators games were shown in Bar Down when Ryan played in Nashville, Flyers games were now being featured. Craig and Kim don't get much time to watch Ryan's games there -- Craig is busy with restaurant duties and checking on customers while Kim bartends -- so they record them. If Craig does get time, he'll watch on a television upstairs. Kim sneaks in looks whenever she can.