HERSHEY -- The Washington Capitals have signed forward Ryan Stoa, who will likely play this season for the Hershey Bears.
Stoa, 25, has played all three of his professional seasons with the Colorado Avalanche organization. He recorded 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 75 games with the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL) last season, finishing second on the club in scoring.
He was originally selected by the Avalanche in the second round (34th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Stoa also has 37 games of NHL experience with Colorado, posting seven points (four goals, three assists) in his brief time.
The 6-3, 200-pound native of Bloomington, Minn., has appeared in a total of 177 regular-season games with Lake Erie, tallying 109 points (55 goals, 54 assists). His most successful season was his first as a professional in 2009-2010, in which he set AHL career highs in goals (23) and points (40).
Prior to turning pro, Stoa spent four years at the University of Minnesota (WCHA), totaling 97 points (47 goals, 50 assists) in 120 games.
Stoa is also a product of the United States National Team Development Program. He won a bronze medal with the United States at the 2007 U-20 World Junior Championships and a gold medal in the 2005 U-18 World Junior Championships.
Information used in this story was provided by the Hershey Bears.
