That's not funny. Not funny at all.

Anaheim Ducks

Bobby Ryan





When I decided to profile Bobby Ryan I was kind of taken aback that he had a different birth name. Robert Shane Stevenson. Not knowing anything about Bobby or his past I immediately laughed and searched for a reason why a US Born hockey player would need to use a stage name. What I found wasn't exactly what I was looking for. According to reports the name change was more than just a marketing ploy by an agent. It was actually a move by a fugitive in order to keep himself from being found by federal agents. That sounds like a bit of a tall tale or the beginning of a soap opera storyline but no. It's not. On October 30th of 1997, Robert Stevenson (Bobby's dad) was convinced that Melody Stevenson (Bobby's mom) was on drugs. His method for confronting this drug problem? Ripping a door off the hinges and beating his wife. She had multiple injuries including broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a fractured skull. Instead of facing the charges of attempted murder and other felony charges, Bobby's dad fled with his family. While on the run, the Stevenson family became the Ryan family after the movie "Saving Private Ryan". While living in California under the assumed names, Bobby thrived in the hockey program. Three years later, law enforcement caught up to Bobby's dad and extradited him back to New Jersey where he pleaded to jumping bail and aggravated assault. Bobby's dad then legally changed his name to Bob Ryan. Despite all the trials and tribulations, Bobby's parents are still together and they are very much still a family. It's a pretty unorthodox story that I hadn't expected to find when profiling just some random Anaheim Duck. I guess it just goes to show that every path to the NHL is not smooth.


Random tid-bits about Bobby Ryan:

Born on St. Patrick's Day 1987

Played for the Iowa Chops.
I planned to place a picture of a pork chop here when I discovered that the mascot for the Chops... is indeed a pig.


Favorite NHL City is Vancouver

Plays left wing on a line with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf

When Bobby is relaxing he enjoys to watch
True Blood- Standard
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives- Who doesn't?
One Tree Hill- This one throws me...

Won silver medal with team USA at the Vancouver Olympics.

Enjoys country and alternative rock.