The Rise of Ryan Lasch: From Undrafted to Champion Scorer
Ryan Lasch is a professional ice hockey player who has spent most of his career playing in Europe. Despite going undrafted, Lasch has emerged as a dominant scorer in the European leagues, winning numerous awards and championships along the way. In this blog post, we will explore the rise of Ryan Lasch and the factors that have contributed to his success.
Early Life and Career
Born in Lake Forest, California in 1987, Lasch began playing hockey at a young age. He played for several youth teams before joining the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2005. During his time with the Lancers, Lasch demonstrated his scoring prowess, leading the team in points and winning the USHL Rookie of the Year award.
College Years
After his stint with the Omaha Lancers, Lasch enrolled at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. During his four years with the Huskies, Lasch was a standout player, leading the team in scoring in each of his four seasons. He was a three-time All-WCHA selection and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the best player in college hockey.
Professional Career in Europe
Despite his success in college, Lasch went undrafted and signed with the Anaheim Ducks organization in 2010. He spent most of his time with the Ducks’ minor league affiliates but also made a brief appearance with the NHL team. However, Lasch’s time in North America was short-lived, and he soon signed with Finnish team SaiPa for the 2012-13 season.
Success in Europe
Since signing with SaiPa, Lasch’s career has taken off. He has played for several top-tier European teams, including SC Bern in Switzerland and Frölunda HC in Sweden. Lasch has been a top scorer for each of these teams, leading Frölunda HC to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. He has also won numerous individual awards, including the Golden Helmet as the top player in the Czech league.
Playing Style
Lasch is known for his quickness, agility, and scoring ability. He is a skilled playmaker who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Despite his relatively small stature (he is listed at 5’8″), Lasch is a tenacious player who is not afraid to compete for pucks in the corners or in front of the net.
The Importance of European Leagues
Many North American hockey fans may not be familiar with the top European leagues, but they are among the most competitive in the world. Playing in Europe has allowed Lasch to develop his skills against top talent and experience different styles of play. It has also given him the opportunity to travel and live in different countries, which has broadened his perspective both on and off the ice.
The Future of Ryan Lasch’s Career
At age 34, Lasch is still going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. He recently signed a two-year contract extension with SC Bern, keeping him in Switzerland through the 2023-24 season. While he may never play in the NHL again, Lasch has found a successful career in Europe and is considered one of the top players on the continent.
Conclusion
Ryan Lasch’s journey from youth hockey in California to a prolific career in Europe is a testament to the importance of hard work, perseverance, and opportunity. Despite going undrafted, Lasch has carved out a successful career for himself and become one of the top scorers in the European leagues. His story should serve as an inspiration to young players who may face similar challenges in their hockey careers.
FAQs:
Q1. What is Ryan Lasch known for?
A. Ryan Lasch is known for his quickness, scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Q2. Which European teams has Ryan Lasch played for?
A. Ryan Lasch has played for Finnish team SaiPa, Swiss team SC Bern, and Swedish team Frölunda HC, among others.
Q3. Has Ryan Lasch ever played in the NHL?
A. Yes, Ryan Lasch played briefly for the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL.
Q4. What awards has Ryan Lasch won?
A. Ryan Lasch has won numerous awards, including the Golden Helmet as the top player in the Czech league.
Q5. How long is Ryan Lasch’s contract with SC Bern?
A. Ryan Lasch recently signed a two-year contract extension with SC Bern, keeping him in Switzerland through the 2023-24 season.