For Immediate Release
FORT ERIE, ON — September 25, 2026 — The Fort Erie Meteors announced today that they will retire the No. 28 jersey of former team captain Rylan Masterson in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., as the Meteors host the St. Catharines Falcons at the Fort Erie Leisureplex. Masterson’s number will be permanently retired and raised to the rafters in recognition of his leadership and impact on the organization.
A Legacy Built on Leadership
Rylan Masterson served as captain of the Fort Erie Meteors for three seasons, wearing the “C” for the organization while anchoring the blue line as a physical, defensively reliable defenseman. Under his leadership, the Meteors won the Golden Horseshoe Championship and advanced to the conference final, with Masterson’s steady presence on the back end a driving force behind the team’s success. Masterson won back to back Dave Dunham Awards as Eastern Conference Most Valuable Defenceman.
Off the ice, Masterson was known for shaping team culture and mentoring the organization’s younger players, helping several advance to higher levels of hockey. His dedication to the Meteors and the Fort Erie community made him one of the most respected leaders to wear the jersey.
In Their Own Word
“I’ve been telling people for a long time that Rylan was becoming one of the most important people in Meteors history. As a program, we simply wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had over the last five years without him. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he has become, both on and off the ice.” Head Coach Nik Passero said about todays release.
When asked about the honour of having his number retired Masterson said “Honestly, it’s pretty surreal. I spent 5 years playing in this league and got to be captain for 3 of them. I made a lot of great memories and met some unreal people along the way. To have my jersey retired is something I never really thought would happen, so it means a lot.”
Ceremony Details
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to take part in the ceremony ahead of puck drop.
About the Fort Erie Meteors
The Fort Erie Meteors are a proud member of the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL), representing the Fort Erie community since 1957. Playing out of the Fort Erie Leisureplex, the Meteors enter their 70th season of hockey in 2026–27. For more information, visit femeteors.ca.
