Ryan Watson (ice hockey)

Last updated

Ryan Watson
Born (1981-06-12) June 12, 1981 (age 41)
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position Forward
Shot Left
Played for Oklahoma City Blazers
Victoria Salmon Kings
Memphis RiverKings
Manchester Phoenix
SG Cortina
Ritten/Renon
HC Pustertal Wölfe
National teamFlag of Italy.svg  Italy
NHL Draft Undrafted
Playing career 20022012

Ryan Watson (born June 12, 1981) is a Canadian-born Italian former professional ice hockey player. He played the prime of his career in Italy's Serie A.

Contents

Playing career

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 played at the lower junior level of the AJHL for the Drayton Valley Thunder. His performances were much improved, and a ratio of over a point per game was established during a season in which Watson played almost 60 times totalling over 100 points.

Watson began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL. He settled 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. The Salmon Kings signed Watson for the 2004–05 season. Watson managed 33 games and 29 points.

Despite his positive points return, he did not re-sign with the Salmon Kings and so returned to the CHL with the then named Memphis Riverkings. Watson again proved his quality, totalling 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. However, Watson played in only 10 games for the Phoenix before returning to North America. [1]

On his return he re-signed 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 a point per game ratio. This productivity meant that the Blazers re-signed Watson for the 2007–08 season. It was again a positive season for Watson, who scored 55 points in 63 games.

He returned to Europe and Italy to sign for Cortina SG of the Serie A. Despite the language barrier, Watson settled well and began once again to clock up regular goals and assists. Watson began to play for the Italian nation team and became a pivotal player in there success to winning a world championship. After four seasons in Italy, Watson announced his retirement from professional hockey at the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, finishing his career with three world championships, multiple team championships and individual awards. After retirement Watson was inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.[ citation needed ]

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
1998–99 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 221012
1999–00 Lethbridge HurricanesWHL203142
1999–00 Drayton Valley Thunder AJHL 23771451
2000–01 Drayton Valley ThunderAJHL57435710085
2001–02 South Surrey Eagles BCHL 5239508956
2002–03 Oklahoma City Blazers CHL 541515304251232
2003–04 Oklahoma City BlazersCHL6423214457
2004–05 Victoria Salmon Kings ECHL 331271934
2005–06 Memphis RiverKings CHL6425345948
2006–07 Manchester Phoenix EIHL 92358
2006–07 Oklahoma City BlazersCHL551633498114681412
2007–08 Oklahoma City BlazersCHL6325305546
2008–09 SG Cortina Italy 4517365322
2009–10 SG CortinaItaly3716183412
2010–11 Ritten Sport Italy381921403454156
2011–12 HC Pustertal Wölfe Italy188816181137106
CHL totals300104133237274197101714
Italy totals13860831438616781512

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References

  1. "Ryan Watson Personal Profile". Manchester Phoenix. February 3, 2010. Retrieved February 3, 2010.