Coach Ryan Cruthers joins the Crusader’s squad for the 2014-2015 season. Cruthers is a distinguished professional hockey player and will continue to play with the local Reading Royals while coaching for Alvernia.
Cruthers’ professional career began in 2008 with the Utah Grizzlies, a minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. In 2009, Cruthers signed with the Reading Royals, and led the team in regular season scoring with 71 points. In 2011, Cruthers was traded to the Alaska Aces, where he helped lead the team to a Kelly Cup Championship. Following a season as captain of the Orlando Solar Bears, Cruthers returned to the Reading Royals in 2013 and signing and ECHL contract with the team.
In addition to his playing career, Cruthers also has experience coaching. Cruthers has coached for the New York Apple Core EJHL summer tournament teams. He was an assistant coach with the Berks Bruins as well as a hockey instructor at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex. He is currently the head coach and assistant general manager of the NJ Raiders AAA Spring Selects, as well as the assistant player coach for the Reading Royals. Cruthers is also an executive board member of the Professional Hockey Players Association.
Coach Cruthers graduated in 2008 from Robert Morris University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.
