Another NHLer in Nottingham
Nottingham Panthers have added another ex Nhler to the roster for the upcoming season, in the form of forward Matt Ryan.
Ryan like previous Panthers signings Loyns and Wren also has vast experience playing in Europe.
In 2004 Ryan signed a three-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. He played his first professional season for their AHL affiliate the Manchester Monarchs between 2004-2008. He made his NHL debut with the Kings in December 2005 and played 12 games recording a single assist.
Ryan who holds a British passport has spent the last six seasons in Europe, in Germany, Austria, Sweden and Italy at the highest levels. He Spent the latter part of last season in Norway with Stavanger Oilers, where he won the national championship, picking up 25 points in 18 games.
In Germany he played two seasons for Augsburger in the DEL, where he amassed up 70 points in 92 games. Even though his contract was cut short for personal reasons in 2008/09, he returned later that season and made such a positive impact, he was re-signed for the following season.
2010 saw him make the move to Austria, where he signed for Villacher SV culmnating last season when he started the campaign with Milano Rossoblu in Italy before finishing the season in Norway.
Matt can play centre or left wing which will gives Corey Neilson options this season when setting up his lines.
With the signing of Ryan, this will all but complete Panthers’ import quota of forwards.
Neilson wasn’t able to hide his delight at capturing the signature of Ryan saying: “He has speed and great puck-handling skills, plus a wealth of experience and great character”.
Neilson has previously emphasised his determination to build another successful Nottingham Panthers side. With a grand slam to defend and the Continental Cup coming up, he has definitely gone with size and experience this season.
Neilson told The Panthers website
“Matt’s name has been bandied around the league for a few seasons and he’s another one of those I initially targeted four years ago.
It’s good to have him here, He’s done his research and knows all about Nottingham and our grand slam and he wanted to come to help us defend our three titles.”
“The main thing about Matt is his speed; he’s one of those guys who can really burn the opposition.”
“He’s like a lot of players we’ve got this year – not particularly an out-and-out passer or shooter but just very good at everything.”
