Mount Pearl native Ryan Graham finished his second season in the QMJHL just over a month ago and although his team, the St. John's Fog Devils, exited in the first round of their first ever QMJHL playoffs, the ending for Ryan was still sweet. Ryan entered the league when he was drafted by the Gatineau Olympiques where he would go on to play his first full season of QMJHL hockey. He continued his time with the Olympiques to begin the 2005-06, but in late December Ryan got the best gift of all. 

            On December 24, 2005 Ryan received an early Christmas gift. With one phone call, Ryan found out that he would not have to return back to Gatineau following the Christmas break as he was traded to his hometown team, the St.John's Fog Devils. "I was excited, especially finding out Christmas Eve. All I could think of was I'm going to get to play in front of my parents, and also my friends." With Ryan being traded home this also meant he would be reunited on the ice once again with long time friend and line mate Wes Welcher. "I was excited to play with Wes again. We played 'AAA' together and also junior high. We always had great chemistry, he knows where I am out there and vice-versa." What Ryan and Wes didn't know was the the other part of their 'AAA' trio would be joining them as well, Paul Roebothan.

             Ryan had to make an adjustment from a working team, to a team in progress and it was one he didn't mind making. "It was different, but I tried to bring more of a leadership role from Gatineau. Some experience on and off the ice. But the coaching was great so it worked out well."

             Along with the leadership role, Ryan also brought a new level to his game. He managed just 10 points will his career with Gatineau, however that was different from the season he had in St. John's. Graham tallied up 30 points consisting of 13 goals and 17 assists in his short time with the team. He also contributed by having many first star worthy performances on many occasions. "I had a lot more confidence playing for the Fog Devils. I had a lot more ice-time than I did in Gatineau and I tried to contribute as much as I could. I had a big power-play role that I didn't have in Gatineau. And also playing with Wes Welcher, like I said he always knows where I am, and Olivier Guilbault he's a great addition too." Welcher, Graham and rookie Olivier Guilbault gelled together to combine for 109 points on the season. "I've had a pretty productive season, you can feel yourself getting better and better each game especially being paired with Welcher and Guilbault, but of course there is always room for improvement."

             As a whole, Graham thought the Fog Devils first ever season in the QMJHL was a relatively good one and was proud of the accomplishments made. "30 wins is a big honor especially in a teams first season. The team was really well coached which is what you need. But we as a team just found some chemistry and it worked out well for us." Chemistry is right, finishing off the season just below .500 with a record of 30-34-5-1 moving them into second all time in points for an expansion team.

             Ryan finished by commenting on the Fog Devils first ever team member, and team captain Scott Brophy, who finished up his QMJHL career with the Fog Devils this past season. "You're never going to replace Broph' on the team. He really is the ultimate leader on and off the ice. For someone his size to come in and do what he did, it is a great accomplishment. I know him on a personal level and he is a great guy all around. Not only was Broph' the 'ultimate Fog Devil', he was the ultimate 'AAA' (St. John's) Maple Leaf, Gonzaga Viking, Gatineau Olympique, and also my ultimate brother. He'll do good no matter where he goes."

             Ryan would like to thank all of the fans and followers for showing their support in the Fog Devils first season. He's looking forward to lacing up the skates once again, and letting the fog descend on St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador.