Joey Ryan (ice hockey)

Joe (Joey) Ryan (born October 19, 1987 in Winchester, Massachusetts) is an American ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006 NHL Entry Draft's 2nd round (48th overall). Joe grew up in Malden, Massachusetts with his mother and father (Bob and Sharon), along with two brothers (John Paul and Bobby) and one sister (Holly). Joey grew up excelling in hockey and baseball, as he was a star pitcher in his town. As a child, he had serious learning disabilities and attended the exclusive Landmark School. Since Landmark did not have a hockey program, Joe was able to play hockey for his hometown high school in Malden and with the Valley Junior Warriors, where he played with his brother, Bobby. He began playing in 8th grade and played for one season.

Junior Hockey

Ryan was drafted by the Gatineau Olympiques in 2003 QMJHL's Entry Draft. The same day, he had been traded to the Quebec Remparts. He has played for them since, winning the Memorial Cup in 2006. He was also one of five American-born players on the championship roster along with Andrew Andriocopolous, Todd Chinova, Jordan LaVallee, and Mathieu Melanson. Joe has shown promise as a defenceman and should continue to progress as time goes on. On December 17, 2007, the Remparts traded Ryan back to the Olympiques for a second-round pick. He only played 44 games during the 2007-08 season, partially due to a back injury and also because Quebec had four overagers (20-year olds) on their roster, which prompted the trade.

Influence of Patrick Roy

Ever since Joe was drafted to the Remparts, owner and GM Patrick Roy took him under his wing to help him make it to the NHL. Joey lived with Patrick and his family for two years, until Patrick and his wife got divorced. Patrick and Joey are still close today and so are their families. Patrick was even Joey's sponsor for his confirmation into the Catholic church in 2004. As of October 2007, prior to being traded to Gatineau, Joey was sent back to Quebec and was living with Patrick and his children.

Los Angeles Kings

Ryan recently signed an NHL entry contract with the Kings. He was briefly assigned to Manchester in the AHL for the 2007-08 season before being returned to juniors due to an over-abundance of capable defensemen on the Monarchs [ [http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect/joe_ryan Prospect Joe Ryan Player Profile] , Accessed May 23, 2008.] and apparent lack of desire to play in the ECHL [ [http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=427895 Joey Ryan back in quebec - HFBoards ] ] .

Career statistics

References