Omsk Avangard’s Canadian forward Ryan Spooner believes this season in the Kontinental Hockey League has been his finest to date. He spoke candidly about his performance and the team’s approach, offering a clear picture of what has clicked for him in Russia this year.
“This is my fifth season in the KHL, and by the numbers it stands as the best stretch of my career so far. We have a strong group, we push the pace, and we create chances with creativity. It comes from the trust we have in our abilities and the freedom to express it on the ice”, Spooner noted. His confidence mirrors the broader trajectory of a player who has grown into a trusted contributor within Avangard’s offensive system.
During the current campaign, the 31-year-old forward has racked up 52 points in 49 games for Avangard. That same point total is how many he tallied over the entire previous season with Dinamo Minsk. Spooner has also spent time with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, adding to his varied experiences across the league and contributing to a versatile offensive profile that teams in the East rely on.
On January 20, Avangard defeated Moscow Spartak 3-1 in a KHL regular season matchup. The victory kept the Omsk club perched in second place in the Eastern Conference with 75 points, a testament to the consistency the team has shown as the season has progressed.
Looking ahead, Avangard is scheduled to travel to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for an away game on January 21, with the puck dropping at 17:00 Moscow time. The matchup represents another important test for a club that has balanced scoring depth with disciplined defense as the calendar moves toward the stretch run.
Reflecting on the experience of playing in the KHL, an American skater previously associated with the league described the atmosphere as one of intense competition and gladiatorial energy, a sentiment that captures the passion and grit many players bring to the rink every night. The league continues to draw talent from North America and around the world, reinforcing the high level of play and the evolving dynamics of teams like Avangard as they navigate a demanding schedule and pursue playoff positioning.