Ryane Clowe

Ryane Clowe (born September 30, 1982) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He serves as an alternate captain for the Sharks during away games.

Playing career
Clowe played three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Rimouski Océanic and the Montreal Rocket, beginning in 2000–01. After recording 25 points in 32 games with the Océanic during his rookie campaign, he was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 6th round, 175th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Clowe played two full seasons with the Cleveland Barons, San Jose's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, and was named team MVP in 2004–05, before splitting time between the Barons and the Sharks in 2005–06. Clowe appeared in 18 games with the Sharks in 2005–06 and was signed to a three-year deal in the off-season worth US$1.625 million. The contract was a two-way deal for two of the first three years.

About half way through the first season of the contract, in 2006–07, Clowe was given an opportunity to play on the first line and powerplay unit with Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton and responded with a career high 34 points in 58 games. Clowe scored his first career NHL hat-trick on January 6, 2007, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the post-season, he scored his first playoff goal on April 13 in the quarter-final series against the Nashville Predators. Securing his roster spot on the Sharks, he became known for his hard checking game and willingness to fight when needed.

He played 11 games for the Sharks in 2007–08, then went on injured reserve on October 28, 2007 with torn knee ligaments. Clowe returned to the lineup on March 30, 2008, in time for the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he posted 9 points in 13 games, which was second best on the team behind Joe Thornton. On July 6, 2009, the Sharks re-signed Clowe to a four-year contract paying Clowe US$3.5 million the first three years and $4 million the final year.

Personal life
On July 30, 2009, Clowe did his first charity golf tournament in his hometown, raising over $300,000 for R.E.A.L., a program that helps pay for equipment and registration for kids in need, and Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, serving the more than 10,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador that live with seizures every day.