Ryan Watson (ice hockey)

Infobox Ice Hockey Player


image_size = 180px
position = Forward
shoots = Left
height_ft = 6
height_in = 3
weight_lb = 200
nickname =
league = CHL
team = Oklahoma City Blazers
former_teams = Memphis RiverKings
nationality = CAN
birth_date = birth date and age|1981|06|12
birth_place = Lethbridge, AB, CAN
career_start = 1998
career_end =

Ryan Watson (born June 12, 1981 in Lethbridge, Alberta) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently playing for the Oklahoma City Blazers in the CHL. Watson began his career in 1998 playing for his local team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes at junior level in the WHL. Watson did not start particularly well though, and managed just one point in 22 games in his first season.

For the 2000/01 season, Watson would play at the lower junior level of the AJHL for the Drayton Valley Thunder. His performances were much improved, and a ratio of a point per game was established during a season in which Watson played almost 60 times.

Watson would begin his senior career with the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL. He would settle well and established himself as an important first team player, turning out in 118 games in the two seasons, and totalling 74 points in that time. His performances brought him to the attention of the Victoria Salmon Kings, who were playing at the higher ECHL standard. The Salmon Kings signed Watson for the 2004/05 season. Watson was not a first team regular though, but still managed 33 games and 19 points.

Despite his positive points return, he was not re-signed by the Salmon Kings and so returned back to the CHL with the then named Memphis Riverkings. Watson again proved his quality at this level, snatching 59 points in 64 games. In the summer of 2006, Watson moved to Europe and was signed by the Manchester Phoenix of the EIHL, the highest tier of club hockey in Britain. Watson played in only 10 games for the Phoenix before returning to North America though.

On his return he would re-sign for one of his old teams, the Oklahoma City Blazers. Watson continued to score points regularly for the Blazers throughout both the regular and post-season periods, managing almost a point per game ratio. This productivity meant that the Blazers re-signed Watson for the 2007/08 season.

External links

*hockeydb|46416|Ryan Watson
* [http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/players/50_ryan_watson Ryan Watson Personal Profile] , Manchester Phoenix Official Website.