Aspiring player Riley Barber demonstrates his goal-scoring prowess during practice sessions at ERC Ingolstadt's training facility
Riley Barber, a prolific goal-scorer with an impressive career in various leagues, is set to fill the gaps left by the departures of Wojciech Stachowiak and Wayne Simpson at the ERC.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Barber's hockey journey began in earnest when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals. His ambition was evident from the start, as he once pushed a junior player training with them into the boards a bit roughly during a practice session.
Before joining ERC Ingolstadt, Barber inquired with Wayne Simpson about the team, showing his keen interest in the club. Upon his first ice training with the ERC, he immediately showcased his goal-scoring ability, leaving a positive impression on the team.
Barber's excellent scoring ability earned him a spot in the NHL, but he later decided to leave North America and join the Russian KHL. Despite being far from home, he turned heads with 64 points (31 goals, 33 assists) in 102 games for Barys Astana, Ak Bars Kazan, and Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.
The reason for Barber's departure from the KHL was homesickness, leading him to return to North America. His focus in the KHL shifted to puck possession and control, and he spent a significant amount of time analyzing goalies to improve his shooting.
Barber's goal-scoring ability is best understood as a combination of innate talent and hard work. His statistics, such as the 123 scoring points (54 goals, 69 assists) he earned in 116 games during his three college years, reflect this synergy.
In the KHL, Barber wore the jersey number 77, but in his new role with the ERC, he will wear the jersey number 37 as a tribute to his father, Don, who played 126 games in the NHL.
Barber's family couldn't visit him during his time in the KHL, but he is now reunited with his Labradoodles Ted and Doug in Ingolstadt. After his first training session with ERC Ingolstadt, he felt "couldn't be happier."
The ERC sports director, Tim Regan, praised Barber for his goal-scoring ability, calling him the key transfer for the new DEL season. With his arrival, the team looks forward to a promising season filled with exciting goals and victories.
After his return from the KHL, Riley Barber is now reunited with his Labradoodles Ted and Doug at ERC Ingolstadt, feeling "couldn't be happier." As the key transfer for the new DEL season, Barber's goal-scoring ability is expected to contribute significantly to the team's promising season filled with exciting goals and victories, much like his impressive track record in various sports, particularly football (hockey).
