Avs sign two players

P{ress Release

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed University of Minnesota forward Ryan Stoa to an entry-level contract.

Colorado’s first selection (second round, 34th overall) in the 2005 Entry Draft, Stoa was named to the 2008-09 All-WCHA First Team after leading the Gophers with 46 points (24g/22a) in 36 games during his junior season. Stoa, Minnesota’s team captain, finished as the WCHA scoring champion with 36 points (19g/17a) in 27 league games. The 21-year-old native of Bloomington, Minn., currently ranks sixth in the nation in points-per-game (1.28) and third in goals-per-game (0.67).

“Ryan brings an element of size, skill and leadership to our organization,” said Avalanche Vice President of Hockey Operations Craig Billington. “He just completed a solid season at the University of Minnesota and we are excited for him to begin his pro career.”

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward finished his collegiate career with 97 points (47g/50a) in 120 games.

The Avalanche also announced that it has signed free agent forward Cedric McNicoll to an entry-level contract. McNicoll, 20, led the Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) with 104 points (38g/66a) in 65 regular season games.


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)