Ryan Watson

Ryan Watson (born June 12, 1981) is a Canadian-born Italian former professional ice hockey player. He played the prime of his career in Italy's Serie A.

Playing career Watson began his career in 1998 playing for his local team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes at junior level in the WHL. Watson did not start particularly well though, and managed just one point in 22 games in his first season.

For the 2000–01 season, Watson played at the lower junior level of the AJHL for the Drayton Valley Thunder. His performances were much improved, and a ratio of over a point per game was established during a season in which Watson played almost 60 times totalling over 100 points.

Watson began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL. He settled well and established himself as an important first team player, turning out in 118 games in the two seasons, and totalling 74 points in that time. His performances brought him to the attention of the Victoria Salmon Kings. The Salmon Kings signed Watson for the 2004–05 season. Watson managed 33 games and 29 points.

Despite his positive points return, he did not re-sign with the Salmon Kings and so returned to the CHL with the then named Memphis Riverkings. Watson again proved his quality, totalling 59 points in 64 games. In the summer of 2006, Watson moved to Europe and was signed by the Manchester Phoenix of the EIHL, the highest tier of club hockey in Britain. However, Watson played in only 10 games for the Phoenix before returning to North America.

On his return he re-signed for one of his old teams, the Oklahoma City Blazers. Watson continued to score points regularly for the Blazers throughout both the regular and post-season periods, managing a point per game ratio. This productivity meant that the Blazers re-signed Watson for the 2007–08 season. It was again a positive season for Watson, who scored 55 points in 63 games.

He returned to Europe and Italy to sign for Cortina SG of the Serie A. Despite the language barrier, Watson settled well and began once again to clock up regular goals and assists. Watson began to play for the Italian nation team and became a pivotal player in there success to winning a world championship. After four seasons in Italy, Watson announced his retirement from professional hockey at the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, finishing his career with three world championships, multiple team championships and individual awards. After retirement Watson was inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Career statistics Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 1998–99 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 22 1 0 1 2 — — — — — 1999–00 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 20 3 1 4 2 — — — — — 1999–00 Drayton Valley Thunder AJHL 23 7 7 14 51 — — — — — 2000–01 Drayton Valley Thunder AJHL 57 43 57 100 85 — — — — — 2001–02 South Surrey Eagles BCHL 52 39 50 89 56 — — — — — 2002–03 Oklahoma City Blazers CHL 54 15 15 30 42 5 1 2 3 2 2003–04 Oklahoma City Blazers CHL 64 23 21 44 57 — — — — — 2004–05 Victoria Salmon Kings ECHL 33 12 7 19 34 — — — — — 2005–06 Memphis RiverKings CHL 64 25 34 59 48 — — — — — 2006–07 Manchester Phoenix EIHL 9 2 3 5 8 — — — — — 2006–07 Oklahoma City Blazers CHL 55 16 33 49 81 14 6 8 14 12 2007–08 Oklahoma City Blazers CHL 63 25 30 55 46 — — — — — 2008–09 SG Cortina Italy 45 17 36 53 22 — — — — — 2009–10 SG Cortina Italy 37 16 18 34 12 — — — — — 2010–11 Ritten Sport Italy 38 19 21 40 34 5 4 1 5 6 2011–12 HC Pustertal Wölfe Italy 18 8 8 16 18 11 3 7 10 6 CHL totals 300 104 133 237 274 19 7 10 17 14 Italy totals 138 60 83 143 86 16 7 8 15 12