Player Profile

Ryan Walter

15 Interesting Facts

A versatile centre and former Stanley Cup champion, Ryan Walter enjoyed a distinguished 15-season NHL career before transitioning into coaching, broadcasting, and leadership development.

Position
Centre
Jersey
#18
Status
Retired
Teams
3
Facts
15
1

He won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

2

He was selected second overall in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft.

3

He served as the youngest captain in the history of the NHL at the age of 21.

4

He missed the start of his rookie season due to a freak injury involving a lacrosse ball.

5

He appeared in the movie Miracle as a referee during the game between the US and USSR.

6

He served as the head coach of Canada's national women's hockey team.

7

He was part of a major six-player trade in 1982 that sent him to Montreal.

8

He finished second in the voting for the Calder Trophy during his rookie campaign.

9

He scored a crucial overtime goal in game three of the 1989 Stanley Cup Final.

10

He was a vice president for the National Hockey League Players' Association.

11

He worked as a colour commentator for TSN after his playing career ended.

12

He served as the president of the Abbotsford Heat in the American Hockey League.

13

He played for the Kamloops Chiefs in the WCHL before beginning his professional NHL career.

14

He became a born-again Christian after experiencing severe turbulence on a flight.

15

He won the Budweiser NHL Man of the Year Award in 1992.

About Ryan Walter

Ryan Walter was a skilled centre who played 15 professional seasons, notably winning the 1986 Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens. Known for his hard-working style and face-off proficiency, he also served as the youngest team captain in NHL history at the age of 21 while with the Washington Capitals.

Career Achievements & Milestones

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Stanley Cup Champion

1986

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Budweiser NHL Man of the Year Award

1992

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WCHL First All-Star Team

1978

Player Information & Stats

Detailed career statistics and background information about Ryan Walter.

Player Info

Country: Canada
Position: Centre
Jersey #: 18
Status: Retired
Age: 68 years old

Physical Stats

Height: 6' 0" (183 cm)
Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg)
Born: New Westminster, British Columbia

Career Stats

Seasons: 15
Goals: 264
Assists: 382
Points: 646
Teams: 3
Drafted: 1978
Round: 1 st

Season Scoring

Goals Assists Stack = points · scale 0–87
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
1985-86
Stanley Cup Champion
1986-87
1987-88
1988-89
1989-90
1990-91
1991-92
Budweiser NHL Man of the Year Award
1992-93

Teams & Career

Washington Capitals Montreal Canadiens Vancouver Canucks

Ryan Walter played for 3 different teams during his 15 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Washington Capitals in 1978.