Ryan Stoa

Professional ice hockey player[18]

What is Ryan Stoa known for?

Ryan Stoa is an American professional ice hockey player born on April 13, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Known for his position as a left wing, his career spans across several teams, leagues, and countries.

He started his journey at Bloomington Kennedy High School, earning All-Lake Conference Honorable Mention honors during the 2002–03 season. He was then selected for the U.S. Development Program, joining the Under 17 and 18 National Team from 2003 to 2005.

Post high school, Stoa committed to play collegiate hockey for the University of Minnesota in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. In the 2005–06 season, he was second to Phil Kessel in freshman scoring with 25 points for the Golden Gophers. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him in 2007–08, he returned as the Gophers captain in the following season to lead the WCHA in scoring - a feat that saw him named the Gophers Most Valuable Player.

Stoa's professional career began when he was drafted 34th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. He spent the first part of his professional tenure with the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, where he scored his first professional goal against the San Antonio Rampage. His debut in the NHL came later in 2009, and his first NHL goal was scored during a match against the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.

After his time with the Avalanche, he signed as a free agent to a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals in 2012. Stoa was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Despite a two-month injury, he returned to finish with 19 points in 46 games.

Throughout his career, Stoa has also played for numerous international teams that include the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, Spartak Moscow, Traktor Chelyabinsk, Örebro HK, HV71, and Djurgårdens IF. As of now, he is playing under contract with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.

For more detailed stats and updates on Ryan Stoa's career, visit the Elite Prospects page.