Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

Ryan Stone, the Pittsburgh Penguins second round choice in the 2003 Entry Draft has averaged 41 points and 142 PIMs over the past two seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.  Stone is known for his gritty, two-way style of play and the number of fights he’s been in over the past two years.  Hockey’s Future recently caught up with him.

HF: Describe your game. What do you bring to the ice? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

RS: My game on the ice is hard working and commitment. Some of my strengths are being a power forward with a good sense of seeing the ice well. I'm a good passer and like to set up others. Some weaknesses would be my skating and acceleration.

HF: You are known as a tough player and as a fighter, do you think your offense is underrated? Did your injury hamper it last year?

RS: I'm not too sure why I'm known as a fighter. I'm not saying that I don't like to fight but I would fight if the time calls for it. I don't feel my offense is underrated but there is always room for improvement. Having broken my hand last year did hamper my points but it's fine now.

HF: Were you surprised by where you were drafted?  Did you expect to go higher or lower?

RS: I wasn't surprised by where I was drafted. As for the weekend in Nashville, it was a great weekend. A once in a lifetime experience.

HF: What was your initial reaction when you heard the Penguins drafted you?

RS: I was very excited and so were my family and friends.

HF: Do you feel any competition with Eric Fehr because he was drafted ahead of you?

RS: I feel no competition with Eric. He is an outstanding player and a natural goal scorer. We are different types of players and that makes us both better.

HF: Any players you pattern your game after?

RS: I don't really watch others and try to be like them, but I do learn things from every player out there that I watch.

HF: Who is your current and all time favorite player?

RS: My current favorite player would be either Peter Forsberg or Paul Kariya of the Colorado Avalanche. As for all time, Kariya.

HF: How many fights have you been in since you’ve played in the WHL?

RS: Maybe twenty fights....not certain.

HF: What’s the best line you’ve used or heard to get someone to fight?

RS: I don't really know but a good one would be "anyone want a shot at the title while I'm here."  ha, ha, ha

HF: What was your best fight?

RS: Don't really have a memory of my best fight.

HF: Worst fight? 

RS: Worst fight was again Adam Huxley -- then a member of the Saskatoon Blades. He got me pretty good.

HF: Any you can’t remember?

RS: Most of my fights I don't remember because I'd rather think about offense or defense.

HF: Who is your current and all time favorite fighter?

RS: I don't really have a favorite fighter in the National Hockey League.

HF: What did you come away with from your first training camp?

RS: It was a great opportunity and a great experience, I was a little timid at the start but as camp went on I started playing more my game.

HF: Impressions of any other Penguins?

RS: They have a good group of both young and older players. Mario Lemieux is even better in real life. In fact, he is awesome.