Ryan Huska's journey in the world of hockey is marked by his transition from player to coach, reflecting a deep understanding of the game. Born on July 2, 1975, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Huska's early years in hockey were spent honing his skills on the ice. His playing career began to take shape when he joined the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he played as a forward. During his time with the Blazers, Huska was part of a team that won three Memorial Cup championships in 1992, 1994, and 1995, showcasing the strength and talent of the squad.
Huska was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round, 76th overall, of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Despite this promising start, his playing career in the National Hockey League (NHL) was limited. He played a single NHL game with the Blackhawks during the 1997-1998 season. Most of his professional playing career was spent in the minor leagues, including stints with the Indianapolis Ice and the Lowell Lock Monsters in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Transitioning from player to coach, Huska found a new path in the hockey world. He began his coaching career with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, initially serving as an assistant coach. His tenure with the Rockets was marked by success, as he helped guide the team to a Memorial Cup victory in 2004. In 2007, Huska was promoted to head coach of the Rockets, a position he held until 2014. Under his leadership, the Rockets consistently performed well, and he was recognized for his ability to develop young talent.
In 2014, Huska took the next step in his coaching career by joining the Calgary Flames organization. He was appointed head coach of the Adirondack Flames, the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, for the 2014-2015 season. When the team relocated and became the Stockton Heat, Huska continued as head coach, leading the team until 2018. His time in the AHL was characterized by his focus on player development and preparing prospects for the NHL.
Huska's efforts in the AHL did not go unnoticed, and in 2018, he was promoted to an assistant coach position with the Calgary Flames in the NHL. In this role, he worked under head coach Bill Peters and later Geoff Ward, contributing to the team's strategies and player development at the highest level of professional hockey.
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