Defenseman Ryan Merkley moves to Avangard

Avangard and Kunlun Red Star hockey clubs have made a trade. 24-year-old Canadian defenseman Ryan Merkley has joined our team. The Chinese club received monetary compensation.

Merkley is signed to a one-year contract. The defenseman is in his second KHL season, he totals 83 games for Kunlun Red Star and 37 (4+33) points. This season, Merkley has played 19 games, scored 1 goal and assisted on 7.

German Chistyakov, Avangard HC General Director:

– With Darren Dietz leaving the team, we needed a right-handed offensive defenseman who could also be in a special team. Having analyzed several candidates, we decided to pick Ryan Merkley. He is a skilled player able to initiate offense, move the puck well, send nice passes and score goals. His skills will add to the team’s defense and offense variability.

Merkley will be wearing number 58 in Avangard.

Avangard press service