Ryan Stoa currently plays ice hockey professionally in Russia, but he will be donning the red, white and blue of Team USA as a member of the men’s hockey team for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Ryan was a member of the Washington Capitals organization from 2012 to 2014 and appeared in three NHL games during the 2013-14 season. After that season, Ryan decided to sign with a team from the KHL and has spent the past three seasons in Russia.
Born in Bloomington, Minnesota, Ryan was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2005, bouncing between the parent team and the farm team for three season. In 2012, he signed with the Capitals and played with the Hershey Bears for two seasons before being called up at the end of the 2013-14 season to play for the Caps.
Ryan is no stranger to medal hunts. As a member of the U.S. team during the IIHF U18 World Championship in 2005, he brought home a gold medal, notching three assists during the six games.
He was also a member of IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championships in 2007. His team won a bronze medal, and Ryan had a goal and an assist in seven games played.
Ryan will be looking to add to his collection as the U.S. aims for gold during the 2018 Winter Olympics. You can follow Ryan on Twitter at @Dabigfisshhy.
