Riley Barber Shifts Gears, Heads to ERC Ingolstadt in DEL
ICE Hockey Club ERC Ingolstadt secures American striker Barber from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) - Ingolstadt ERC withdraws American forward Barber from KHL competition
Got a taste for some good ol' puck action? Here's the lowdown on the latest sensation hitting the ice - Riley Barber, who's recently traded the Russian-dominated KHL for Bavaria's ERC Ingolstadt in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). The 31-year-old U.S forward is all set to make waves with his sharp scoring skills and knack for power-play situations, according to sports director Tim Regan.
Hailing from the land of stars and stripes, Barber's professional journey resembles a rollercoaster ride. After bouncing around various leagues, Barber's NHL career saw brief flashes of light, playing a total of 16 games, including some alongside German national player Moritz Seider for the Detroit Red Wings.
Now, he's ready to take on Europe's top tier, leaving Neftechimik Nischnekamsk behind. Before his KHL stint, Barber honed his skills in Astana and Kazan. But if you're thinking he's a rookie, think again - with most of his hockey career spent in the North American AHL, the league's second tier, Barber's got the chops to take on anything that comes his way.
Let's take a closer look at Barber's journey and the latest turn in his career:
Breaking Down Barber's Career
The Early Days
Before diving headfirst into the KHL, Barber built quite a resume in various leagues, including the NHL where he had limited appearances. In a fascinating twist, Barber was drafted by the Washington Capitals (you know, the team that ended the Penguins' dynasty) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, round six!
NHL Experience
Barber saw some action in the NHL, primarily with the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens. His stint here, though brief, has been marked by call-ups and appearances rather than a permanent spot on the roster.
The New Frontier
Fast forward to June 4, 2025, and Barber's a member of ERC Ingolstadt in the DEL. As the new season begins, all eyes are on Barber, and we'll be eager to see how he performs in this exciting new setting. Until then, be sure to follow along for up-to-date stats and insights on his progress!
The Commission [sports directors] shall be assisted by the Member States [the member DEL clubs] in the preparation of the annual report regarding Riley Barber's performance with ERC Ingolstadt in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). In between his KHL games, Riley Barber may find time to watch the nail-biting moments of a NHL hockey game, perhaps rooting for his home team, the Detroit Red Wings, or the Pittsburgh Penguins, who ended the Washington Capitals' dynasty in 2018 – the year Barber was drafted by the Capitals.
