In 2007-08, Del Monte (Mississauga, Ontario), a 6-0, 190-pound forward, played his final season at Brock University (CIS) and led the team in scoring with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in just 25 games. Those totals placed him 9th in the OUA and 16th in the CIS in scoring. In his senior season Del Monte captained the Badgers to OUA West Division title, and their first berth in the Cavendish University Cup national championship tournament in school history.

He also topped all Badgers scorers as a junior in 2006-07 with 15 goals and 19 assists in 27 games, and was named the team's most valuable player for his efforts. For his career at Brock (2004-2008), Del Monte skated in 89 games, scored 103 points on 44 goals and 59 assists, and became the first Brock player to score 100 points in a career in five years.

Del Monte played three seasons of junior hockey before attending Brock. His first two seasons were with the OHL's Sarnia Sting where he skated alongside former Chiefs goalies Cory Campbell and Ryan Munce. Del Monte's most impressive campaign came with the OPJHL's Georgetown Raiders where he amassed 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points in 47 games to lead the team in scoring.

"We're excited to have Ryan for this season," said Chiefs head coach Ian Herbers. "He's a proven scorer at the collegiate and junior levels, so he will definitely help our offense a great deal. Ryan also has strong leadership qualities which will be great for the locker room."