ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Former Brock University men's hockey player Ryan Del Monte (Mississauga, Ont.) has signed a contract with the Starbulls Rosenheim of the German 2nd League.
"It is great to see Ryan continue his professional hockey career in Germany," said Brock men's hockey coach Murray Nystrom.
"In his time at Brock, Ryan was a hard worker who played at a high level and his leadership was invaluable," said Nystrom. "There is no question his impact on our program during his time will result in him being inducted into the Brock Athletics Hall of Fame in the future. Ryan's development path as a player shows that Brock University is a place that players can choose to position themselves to play at the highest level after their university career."
Since graduating from Brock in 2008, the 28-year-old Del Monte has played four professional seasons in the East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League. Last season he played 52 games in the AHL with the Worcester Sharks registering five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. He also collected 45 penalty minutes.
"At this point in my hockey career, going to Germany was the best fit and an awesome opportunity," said Del Monte. "I can keep playing professional hockey at a high level. I will also be able to travel Europe and see different parts of the world with my fiance before we get married next year."
In 2009-10 he was a member of the ECHL Champion Cincinnati Cyclones.
In 248 career professional games, Del Monte has added 39 goals and 85 assists for 124 points. He has also collected 279 career penalty minutes.
"The last four years was a very different experience, but at the same time very rewarding," explained Del Monte. "Having the opportunity to play two seasons in the American Hockey League, just one step away from the NHL, was a great overall experience."
In 2007-08, Del Monte played his final season at Brock University (CIS) and led the team in scoring with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in just 25 games. He finished his senior year ranked 9th in the OUA and 16th in the CIS in scoring. Del Monte also captained the Badgers to OUA West Division title, and their first berth in the CIS University Cup National Championship tournament in school history.
In his career at Brock (2004-2008), Del Monte played in 91 games registering 103 points with 45 goals and 58 assists. He ranks 13th all-time in career points.
Overall in junior, university and pro, Del Monte has recorded 139 goals and 234 assists for 373 points in 537 career games. He has also collected 692 penalty minutes.
