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Ryan StoaAmerican ice hockey player, left winger
Date of Birth: 13.04.1987
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Hockey Career
Ryan Stoa is an American ice hockey left winger currently playing for Spartak Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). During his high school years at Bloomington Kennedy High School, Stoa emerged as a standout player in the 2002-2003 season. His exceptional performance earned him selection to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he represented the United States in various junior championships from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, he participated in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
NHL Draft and College Years
Stoa's impressive junior career culminated in his selection in the second round (34th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. He then opted to continue his hockey development at the University of Minnesota. In his freshman season, he excelled with 25 points, second only to Phil Kessel. During his sophomore year, Stoa represented the United States at the 2007 World Junior Championships, where he helped the team capture a bronze medal. A serious knee injury sidelined him for most of his junior season.
Upon his return, Stoa served as team captain and compiled an impressive 46 points in 36 games, earning him team MVP honors. He was also named to the All-WCHA First Team by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA).
Professional Career
On March 27, 2009, Stoa inked a two-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Following training camp, he was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. He notched his first professional goal on October 13, 2009. Stoa made his NHL debut on December 13, 2009, against the Calgary Flames. On January 22, 2010, he registered his first NHL point with an assist against the Nashville Predators. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his progress in the NHL.
Stoa completed the season in the AHL, leading all rookies in goals (23). On July 8, 2011, he extended his contract with Colorado for an additional year.
On July 7, 2012, Stoa signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals. He remained in the AHL with their affiliate, the Hershey Bears, recording 19 points in 46 games. On April 15, 2013, Stoa re-signed with Washington for one year. He spent the majority of the season in the AHL, amassing 40 points in 67 games. In the latter half of the season, he returned to the NHL after a two-year absence, but failed to register a point in three appearances.
Seeking opportunities elsewhere, Stoa opted to play overseas. On July 15, 2014, he signed with Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL. In his debut season, he recorded 30 points in 60 games. On February 27, 2015, he extended his contract for another year.
In his second season in the KHL, Stoa scored 15 goals in 33 games for Metallurg before being traded to Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.
On May 10, 2016, Stoa signed with Spartak Moscow. In his first game, he scored the team's first goal of the season, but Spartak ultimately fell to defeat.
International Career
Stoa represented the United States at the 2005 World Junior Championships, where he tallied three assists in six games as part of the tournament-winning team.
In 2007, he participated in the World Junior Championships, registering two points in seven games and helping the United States secure a bronze medal.
