Release from 19.04.2023

Pustertal signs Canadian ex-NHL defender

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After Alex Petan the next newcomer of HC Pustertal is Ryan Stanton. The Canadian defender played for the Kölner Haie last season, where he scored eight points in 38 appearances. In the NHL, Stanton played 118 games for the Vancouver Canucks.

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Ryan Stanton comes to Pustertal from the Kölner Haie and is considered a player without compromise and no frills. Stanton is 33 years old, played in the DEL last season and has a long overseas career before that. Without being drafted, the left-shooter made the jump to the AHL at 21 and all the way to the NHL at 23. The Canadian played 118 of his 120 NHL games for the Vancouver Canucks, and the 188 cm tall defenseman scored 27 points. Before and after his time in the NHL, Stanton played no less than 614 games (160 points) for various AHL clubs, and on several occasions during these ten years he also served as an assistant captain and leading player.

In 2022/23, the veteran skater was on the ice 38 times for the Cologne Sharks as part of his European debut. The playing style of the new back number 18 at HCP is described as solid, uncompromising and versatile.

Coach Tomek Valtonen on the new addition: "Ryan knows the business. He convinces with his consistent style of play and had a solid career in North America for a reason. He has a good overview, can read the game and will harmonize especially with our offensively oriented defenders. Ryan brings great experience as well as leadership qualities to Bruneck and is a bench player when it comes to shot blocking. He is a fearless player and that has impressed me a lot."

Ryan Stanton: "I am looking forward to a new challenge in the ICE Hockey League. My goal is to help the team make the playoffs again and lead the way as a leader. I want to take responsibility and make the arena shake together with my teammate. I've already been to Bruneck to see everything and I can't wait to move to Pustertal with my family and play in front of the HCP fans."