Darren Ritchie

Darren Ritchie was a right wing on the Central Texas Stampede's inaugural 1996–97 roster. He made an immediate mark in the WPHL's first season, scoring the tying goal with less than a minute left in the Stampede's opening-night 5–4 win over the Waco Wizards — a moment that forced overtime and kept the club alive. His October was exceptional: 11 goals and two assists in games played earned him the WPHL Player of the Month award for that month. A groin injury in November placed him on the disabled list for an extended stretch, limiting him to 14 games on the season, yet he still finished with 20 goals and 23 points. He also represented the East at the league's first All-Star Game, recording a hat trick in a 14–9 East victory.