Former RoadRunners Captain to Have Jersey Retired
October 21, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Topeka, KS, OCTOBER 21, 2009: In an unprecedented show of appreciation and respect, the Topeka RoadRunners will honor three-year veteran and former captain John Stoddard by retiring his uniform number #11 in a pregame ceremony this Saturday night.
Hailed as the "ultimate RoadRunner" by head coach Scott Langer, Stoddard personified all the traits that a junior hockey player should have. "On the ice, he was a warrior. He gave 100% every shift and demanded it from his teammates. His work ethic was simply amazing", Langer recalled. "Off the ice, he was gentle, respectful, and generous. He was never too busy for anyone who wanted an autograph or just to chat. He was always the first to volunteer to donate his time to help the program, or help in the community."
Stoddard began his junior career in 2005 with the Santa Fe franchise. He was named captain in his second season and continued as captain for the teams first year in Topeka. He played in 168 games for the 'Runners including playoffs, third most in franchise history. His grit and iron will on the ice and selflessness off the ice made him the perfect leader. "Johnny was the obvious choice to be the captain", said coach Langer who mentored the La Mesa, CA native for three seasons. "He was the guy who would go through walls and demanded the same from his teammates. He was a player who earned his respect through his actions every single day."
On the ice, Stoddard put up modest numbers, registering 47 points in his three seasons. His 299 penalty minutes ranks second in team history, and he was a skater opponents always had to be aware of. "Stodds played the game the way it's meant to be played. Hard and fast, with class and no regrets", praised former assistant coach Mark McFarlane. "I'd take 20 Stoddards on my roster any day." His dedication and playing style were recognized by being named the winner of the teams year-end "Heart Award" all three seasons of his career.
Off the ice, he was an amazing ambassador for not just the RoadRunners, but for hockey in general. He was an instantly likeable young man who made friends everywhere he went. His dedication to giving back to the community earned him the leagues coveted "Community Service Award" in 2007, handed out during the NAHL Champions Banquet in St. Louis.
Since moving on from the RoadRunners, Stoddard has been coaching the "Skate School" program in San Diego and working at the rink. This fall, he plans to attend San Diego State University where he will be able to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Organized hockey is still on the docket, as SDSU has an ACHA Division III club team that will face the likes of USC, UCLA, and Northern Arizona.
He has also kept his RoadRunner roots alive as President of the RoadRunner Alumni Association, a group dedicated to the growth of youth hockey in Topeka. He also participated in the First Annual RoadRunner Alumni Game in September.
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