The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Ronnie Attard to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced. Attard, a 27-year-old native of White Lake, Michigan, joins the organization after spending the 2025-26 season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Colorado Eagles, where he recorded 17 points in 44 regular-season games.
Did you know? Attard is a hometown product. Before turning professional, he played 94 games for Western Michigan University, posting a +38 rating and 72 points.
Attard’s AHL Production and NHL Experience
In his most recent AHL stint with the Colorado Eagles, he logged 3 goals and 14 assists. He also contributed two goals during four Calder Cup Playoff appearances.
His professional trajectory has seen him move across several organizations. Attard split the 2024-25 season between the Bakersfield Condors and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, totaling 17 points and 80 penalty minutes over 66 games. Since the 2022-23 season, he has accumulated 93 points and 196 penalty minutes across 226 AHL games.
The defenseman’s NHL experience is limited but specific. Originally a third-round pick (72nd overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Attard played 29 games for the Flyers between 2021 and 2024, recording six points and 14 penalty minutes.
Pedigree from USHL and International Play
Attard’s development is marked by high-level accolades in junior and collegiate hockey. While playing for the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL) from 2016-19, he served as team captain and earned the title of USA Hockey’s Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year. During the 2018-19 season, he led all USHL blueliners in goals (30), points (64), and plus/minus (+46).
At Western Michigan University, Attard’s impact remained consistent. He earned First Team All-NCHC honors and was named the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year. He also secured a spot as a CCM/AHCA West First Team All-American across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
International Milestones
- 2023 IIHF World Championship: Attard represented the U.S., scoring one goal in four games.
- 2018 World Junior A Challenge: He captained Team USA to a gold medal, recording three points in six contests.
Comparison of Attard’s Career Phases
Attard’s statistical profile shows a shift from a high-scoring junior player to a steady AHL contributor. The following data points highlight his transition:
| Level | Key Stat | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| USHL (Tri-City) | 84 Points / 144 Games | USHL Defenseman of the Year |
| NCAA (WMU) | +38 Rating / 94 Games | First Team All-American |
| AHL (Various) | 93 Points / 226 Games | Consistent depth presence |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a two-way contract?
Where did Ronnie Attard play before joining the Red Wings?
He most recently played for the Colorado Eagles of the AHL during the 2025-26 season.
What is Attard’s physical profile?
He is a 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman.
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