Ex-"Avangard" footballer signs for "Shanghai Dragons" in China
Canadian Forward Ryan Spooner Joins Shanghai Dragons in KHL
Ryan Spooner, a seasoned Canadian professional ice hockey forward, has joined the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The 33-year-old forward, known for his exceptional skating technique, speed, game reading, and teamwork, signed a one-year contract with the Chinese hockey club.
Spooner's impressive career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spans over a decade, where he played for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks. He made his NHL debut with the Bruins in 2013 and achieved several notable milestones, including leading the Providence Bruins (AHL affiliate) in points as a rookie with 57 points in 59 games and scoring his first NHL goal in overtime.
After leaving the NHL after the 2018-19 season, Spooner has been playing primarily in the KHL for the last six seasons. He had a remarkable two-year stint with Avangard Omsk, where he accumulated 109 points in 142 games, including playoffs.
The Shanghai Dragons' press service announced the signing of Spooner last Saturday, August 16. The club also announced changes in its management and medical block, with the new general director being Sergey Belikh, who previously held the same position in Avangard from 2019 to 2023.
Three specialists from Omsk, including the former press secretary of Yastrebov, Oleg Malitsky, have also joined the Shanghai Dragons. The club's new doctor is Dmitry Batushenko, who worked in Avangard for 17 years.
Details about Spooner's role or position on the Shanghai Dragons' team were not disclosed. However, his ability to drive attacks, deliver the puck to the opponent's zone, and his success in both even and power play situations are expected to significantly contribute to the team's offensive strategy.
No additional information about the financial terms of the contract was disclosed. Spooner's signing with the Shanghai Dragons marks the latest move in his professional hockey career and is expected to bolster the team's roster.
[1] Ryan Spooner's NHL Career Statistics [2] Ryan Spooner's Avangard Omsk Statistics [3] Ryan Spooner's Shanghai Dragons Announcement [4] Shanghai Dragons Management and Medical Block Changes [5] Sergey Belikh's Appointment as Shanghai Dragons General Director
- Ryan Spooner, a skilled professional hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade, is now playing for the Shanghai Dragons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
- Known for his exceptional skating technique, speed, game reading, and teamwork, Spooner is expected to significantly contribute to the Shanghai Dragons' offensive strategy by driving attacks, delivering the puck to the opponent's zone, and excelling in both even and power play situations.
