Shoots Right Playing career Role Ice hockey Weight 93 kg Positions Defenseman | ECHL team Toledo Walleye Name Joey Ryan Height 1.85 m Education Landmark School | |
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Born October 19, 1987 (age 36)
Stoneham, MA, USA ( 1987-10-19 ) NHL Draft 48th overall, 2006
Los Angeles Kings | ||
Joey Ryan (born October 19, 1987) is an American ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006 NHL Entry Draft's 2nd round (48th overall).
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Early life
Ryan 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). Ryan grew up excelling in hockey and baseball, as he was a star pitcher in his town. As a child, Joey attended the exclusive Landmark School. Since Landmark did not have a hockey program, Ryan 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 the 2003 QMJHL 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. 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 Ryan was drafted to the Remparts, owner and GM Patrick Roy took him under his wing to help him make it to the NHL. Ryan lived with Roy and his family for two years, until Roy and his wife got divorced. Roy and Ryan are still close today and so are their families. Roy was even Ryan's sponsor for his confirmation into the Catholic church in 2004. As of October 2007, prior to being traded to Gatineau, Ryan 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 and apparent lack of desire to play in the ECHL.