Ducks Sign OC’s Own Ryan Lasch, Ducks Prospect Rewarded

Earlier Thursday night, the Announced the signing of forward Ryan Lasch, a 25-year-old from Lake Forest, California. This signing this 5’9″-175 pounder the first player from the “OC” to join the Ducks organization. He grew up rooting for this franchise and one of his favorite players back then was Paul Kariya, which I think we can all relate to. He attended high school at nearby Trabuco Hills High School. Lasch attended St. Cloud State University (WCHA) where he registered 79 goals and 104 assists for 183 points in 161 collegiate games in his four year college career. In 2007-2008, Lasch was a Hobey Baker Award finalist with 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 40 games that season. Just one of many pieces of recognition he got during his time at St. Cloud State.

After graduating from college, he didn’t receive any offers that he liked so he decided to take his talents to Sweden. There he joined Sodertalje SK of the Swedish Elite League where he scored 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 55 games in 2010-2011. After one season in the SEL, he moved to Finland and played for the Lahti Pelicans this past season. This season Lasch registered 24 goals and 38 assists for 62 points. His 62 points were enough to win the SM – liiga scoring title. His team even reached the finals but lost however to JYP Jyvaskyla. During the playoffs, Lasch tallied 5 goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 17 playoff games. He also was named to the 2011-2012 SM – liiga’s First All-Star Team, along with Ducks defensive prospect Sami Vatanen.

Lasch was also named to the Team USA roster for the 2012 World Championships that ended recently. He suited up for 7 games in that tournament, but only managed to record 2 assists for a total of 2 points. I managed to watch a few games where he dressed and to be honest, he was an enigma. During that tournament, at times Lasch was all over the place. Aggressive on the forecheck and was crashing bodies and seemed to play with a ton of energy. But, then again, at times I didn’t notice him. So, I don’t know, but he’s proven he play very well in some of Europe’s best leagues.

In other news, Ducks defensive prospect Andy Welinski has been named to the All-USHL First Team, voted on by the USHL coaches and general managers.The 19-year-old Welinski plays for the Green Bay Gamblers, who won the league’s championship this year, the Clark Cup. He was also named the USHL’s Defenseman of the Year with 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points in 54 regular season games. He was also the main component of a defensive unit that helped Green Bay to have the lowest goals per game ratio in the entire league and an overall goal differential of +112. Next season, Welinski will join the Bulldogs of the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

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