Bears Sign Defender Ryan Sproul to AHL Contract

December 4, 2018

The Hershey Bears announced today that the club has signed defenseman Ryan Sproul to an American Hockey League contract. He will wear #5 with the Chocolate and White. 

Sproul, 25, brings extensive experience to Hershey's blue line. The 6-foot-4, 211-pound defender is a veteran of 276 career AHL games, and also skated in 16 NHL games with the New York Rangers last season, scoring five points. The offensive-minded defender has split time with the Toronto Marlies and Laval Rocket this season, scoring six points (one goal, five assists) in 12 total games. 

The Mississauga, Ontario native collected 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) over 49 games with Grand Rapids and Hartford last season. His most productive season came in 2015-16 with Grand Rapids when he compiled 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 75 games for the Griffins. That season, seven of his goals came on the power play, tying him for second on the club, and good for fourth in the AHL among defenders. 

Sproul was a member of the AHL's All-Rookie Team in 2013-14. In total, he has scored 126 points (40 goals, 86 assists) in his AHL career. He has also appeared in 44 NHL games with Detroit and the New York Rangers, collecting 12 points (two goals, 10 assists). 

Additionally, the Bears announced today that the club has released forward Derek Hulak from his professional tryout agreement. Hulak, 29, had three points (two goals, one assist) in eight games with Hershey. 

The Bears visit Allentown on Friday to battle the Phantoms at 7:05 p.m. before returning to the Giant Center Saturday evening. That night the Chocolate and White host Hartford at 7 p.m. for Advance Auto Parts Car Flag Night (first 5,000) and Healthcare Night.