Undrafted 3rd year right wing Ryan Hayes(18) played for three different ECHL teams last season after being involved in a pair of trades that eventually brought him to Stockton Thunder to finish out the remainder of 2012/2013.
And what a finish it was. In 12 games he scored 5 goals and added another 6 assists bringing his totals to 14-13-27 in 40, which was under what he put up in his rookie campaign but close and in 23 less games played.
Great marks all around for the only 5’9″ 185 lbs. forward but once it hit playoff hockey time he stepped his scoring output to the next level.
In 23 Kelly Cup postseason match-ups he was able to strike for 9 tallies and 15 helpers while going a +8, good enough for 2nd overall in scoring.
Those postseason numbers were in line with what he attained in 22 OHL playoff games with Plymouth Whalers (12-13-25).
Very smartly Stockton taps into his scoring performance for another season signing him to a one-year deal.
It won’t be surprising to see the 24-year old earn his first AHL call-up or appear in a higher league training camp.