Bonavista native Daniel Ryder, a former NHL prospect, appeared in court Thursday morning and was charged in connection with an armed robbery. (Courtesy: Shawn Hayward)The younger brother of NHL star Michael Ryder, who plays for the Boston Bruins, has been charged with armed robbery in Bonavista, on Newfoundland's east coast.

Daniel Ryder, 22, is accused of robbing a convenience store in his hometown Tuesday night.

Police said Ryder, a former NHL prospect, turned himself in Wednesday afternoon and was charged with robbery, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, using a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, and theft under $5,000.

Ryder appeared in a provincial courtroom in Clarenville on Thursday morning and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment. He'll be back in court Jan. 14.

Legal aid lawyer Catherine Boyde, who is representing Ryder, told the court that his mental health is such that she doesn't believe Ryder understands what is happening to him.

Police said in a release that a man walked into the Red Circle convenience store shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday and told the cashier he had a gun.

The man's face was partially covered, and he appeared to be wearing several layers of clothing, including a grey hoodie and an Ultramar jacket, police said.

Daniel Ryder was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2005. A year later, he won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the most valuable player in the 2006 Ontario Hockey League playoffs.