The third-year pro from Nanticoke, Ontario has had an impressive start to his pro career, posting a 49-20-8 record, 10 shutouts, a 2.49 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage in 85 appearances.

Last season, the 23-year-old went 29-12-4 with the ECHL's Johnstown Chiefs, while also appearing in one game with the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins. His 29 wins last season were the most wins in a single season in Johnstown's 20-year ECHL history. On two occasions last season, Nie was honored as ECHL Goaltender of the Week.

During his rookie season in 2006-07, Nie appeared in 35 games for the Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League, going 20-8-4 with seven shutouts, a league-record 2.02 goals-against average, and a .929 save percentage. Nie received both the UHL Goaltender of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards, while also being named to the league's All-Rookie Team. He helped lead the Wings to the Colonial Cup Finals, where they lost to the Rockford IceHogs in seven games.

Prior to turning pro, Nie played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Plymouth, Sarnia, and Toronto St. Michael's. He appeared in 130 career OHL games, going 51-54-15 with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.

"We are excited to get a goalie of Ryan's caliber," Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas said. "He's a goaltender who will give us a chance to win every single night and he is arguably one of the best young netminders in the league."

"I've heard nothing but good things about Fresno, and it seems to be a good fit for me," Nie said. "The new affiliation with Chicago and Rockford is a definite plus, and I am looking forward to getting the season started."