Ryan Zapolski (born November 11, 1986) is an American ice hockey coach and former professional goaltender.
Zapolski was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Zapolski attended the Mercyhurst College from 2007 to 2011 where he played NCAA Division I college hockey for the Mercyhurst Lakers men's ice hockey team. His best college season was 2008–09, with a record of 18–5–3, a save percentage of .934, and a goals-against average of 2.22.[1]
Zapolski began his professional career in the ECHL by joining the Florida Everblades where he appeared in net for one playoff game near the end of the 2010–11 season. The 2012–13 season was his breakout year, and he was recognized for his outstanding play with the South Carolina Stingrays by being named the ECHL's Rookie of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, and the league's Most Valuable Player.[2]
In 2013, Zapolski opted to continue his career overseas, signing with Lukko of the Finnish Liiga. He spent three years with the club, before signing a two-year deal with Helsinki-based Jokerit, a member of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in April 2016.[3]
After three seasons in the KHL with Jokerit, Zapolski left as a free agent and continued his European career in Austria, agreeing to a one-year contract with the Vienna Capitals of the EBEL on July 9, 2019.[4]
Award | Year | |
---|---|---|
College | ||
All-Atlantic Hockey Second Team | 2008–09 | |
All-Atlantic Hockey Third Team | 2009–10 | |
All-Atlantic Hockey Second Team | 2010–11 | |
ECHL | ||
First All-Star Team | 2012–13 | [5] |
Rookie of the Year | 2012–13 | [6] |
Goaltender of the Year | 2012–13 | [7] |
Most Valuable Player | 2012–13 | [8] |
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