Brahmas announce Cruthers signing

Former Mississippi Sea Wolves sniper joins 2009-10 roster

At long last, the Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of forward Ryan Cruthers to the 2009-10 roster. This was a huge signing for Dan Wildfong and one that he was particular happy about.

"Ryan is a kid who will bring a lot of offensive power. He has a proven that he is definitely a scorer in other leagues, so we expect to see the same here," Wildfong said.

Cruthers, 25, is entering his second year pro after a standout season with the Mississippi Sea Wolves (ECHL) in which he led the team in scoring with 66 points (29 G, 37 A, -2) and 72 penalty Minutes in 65 games played. He was called up to the American Hockey League on three different occasions for a total of nine games with the Lake Erie Monsters and the Albany River Rats.

Cruthers played Tier III Junior A hockey with the New York Apple Core. During his time with the team, he tallied 103 points (43 G, 60 A) and 101 penalty minutes in 75 games and won an EJHL Championship in 2003. In July, 2008, he was inducted into the New York Apple Core Hall of Fame. This was the first class inducted and included 25 past Apple Core players, coaches and owners. He also won a New York State Championship with St. Mary's High School.

The 6-foot, 180-pound native of Farmingdale, New York was initially recruited by Air Force's assistant head coach Derek Schooley who saw him play numerous times during his days with the Apple Core. But Cruthers decided that West Point was the place for him and he entered the academy to play hockey for Army.

During his first season with the Black Knights (2003-04), he tied for the lead in scoring with 18 points (5 G, 13 A) and won the Heinmiller Award for the most outstanding freshman. Cruthers was second in scoring with 16 points (6 G, 10 A) during the 2004-05 season but lead the team in assists. After playing two seasons for Army, Cruthers felt it was time for a change and decided to transfer.

Cruthers got in touch with Derek Schooley, who was now the head coach at Robert Morris University and after a visit to the campus, he committed to play at RMU. Due to NCAA regulations, Cruthers had to sit out the 2005-06 season after he transferred.

During the following season, he led the team in scoring with 37 points (17 G, 20 A), nine coming on the power play. During his senior year in 2007-08, he led the CHA in scoring with 49 points (tied for eighth-best in the nation) on 22 goals and 27 assists. Cruthers was named the 2008 CHA Player of the Year and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, which is awarded annually to college hockey's most outstanding player. He was also voted team MVP by his teammates.

After graduating with a degree in sports management, Cruthers signed with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) and played in four regular season games, getting two assists. He scored 5 points (1 G, 4 A) in 15 post-season games with Utah, who made it to the National Conference finals before being swept by the Las Vegas Wranglers.

Cruthers is lucky number thirteen in announced player signings for the Brahmas as he joins Brett Jaeger, Kyle Deck, Justin Kinnunen, Derek Merlini, Craig Minard, Kevin McLeod, Casey Russell, Jason Deitsh, Jamie Carroll, Jordan Cameron, A.J. Gale and Anders Strome.

Photo Credits: Robert Morris University, Mississippi Sea Wolves