Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - The Colorado Avalanche signed forwards Ryan Stoa and Cedric McNicoll to entry-level contracts on Friday. A second-round pick (34th overall) in 2005, Stoa, 21, led the Minnesota Gophers with 46 points, including 24 goals, in 36 games this season, his third at the University. The Bloomington, Minnesota native and captain of the Gophers, Stoa captured the Western Collegiate Hockey Association scoring title and earned a spot on the 2008-09 All-WCHA First Team. "Ryan brings an element of size, skill and leadership to our organization," said Avalanche vice president of hockey operations Craig Billington. "He just completed a solid season at the University of Minnesota and we are excited for him to begin his pro career." The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Stoa registered 47 goals and 50 assists in 120 collegiate games. An undrafted free agent, McNicoll, 20, led the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 104 points (38 goals, 66 assists) in 65 regular-season games. |
