John Ryder, former defenseman for the University of Denver Pioneers, has signed a contract with the Texas Stars -- the AHL affiliate for the Dallas Stars.
↵↵↵Ryder, (6'1", 200 lbs.), joins the Stars after completing his senior season at the University of Denver of the WCHA where he tallied four assists and 32 penalty minutes in 30 games played. He led the Pioneers last year with 209 hits and registered 33 blocked shots in spite of missing 13 games mid-season due to a broken kneecap.
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Amazingly, Ryder accumulated 802 hits in 102 games between 2009-12 with Denver.
↵With the NHL's season currently in doubt as a lockout looms, it's been speculated that the AHL will benefit as hockey fans look for their fix elsewhere. If so, then Ryder will pick up plenty of exposure with Stars fans throughout the 2012-13 season.
↵Regardless of the potential lockout, it's an excellent opportunity for Ryder, and congratulations certainly are in order for the Colorado Springs native.