Sundogs Increase Toughness with Smyth's Return
July 21, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs announced today that the team has re-signed forward Adam Smyth for the upcoming 2011-12 Central Hockey League season.
Smyth, 27, led the CHL with 310 penalty minutes and 24 major penalties last season.
"Adam provides us with a physical presence on the ice that we like," said Head Coach Marco Pietroniro. "He's played in this league for a few years now and knows what it takes to be successful."
Smyth has played each of the last five seasons in the CHL, including the last two in Arizona. He also skated with the Mississippi RiverKings for two years and the Youngstown SteelHounds in 2007-08.
Last season Smyth finished with 17 points for the Sundogs on five goals and 12 assists. Those 12 assists were the most he's recorded in a season in a CHL uniform. He also finished two points shy of tying his CHL-best mark of 19 points, which he tallied with the RiverKings in 2008-09 with 10 goals, nine assists.
"Along with his physical play, Adam's been able to contribute offensively during his career," added Pietroniro. "He was great for us last year, and we're looking for him to continue to contribute with this team."
Smyth's career began with a brief four-game stint in the United Hockey League for the Port Huron Beacons in 2003-04. The next season he appeared in 49 games for the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL, scoring six goals and 10 assists, plus three games with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves. In 2005-06 Smyth's production increased with Gwinnett, scoring eight goals and 12 assists in 64 games.
His best year offensively was back in the UHL during the 2006-07 campaign of the Muskegon Fury, when he recorded 28 points on 14 goals and 14 assists.
Last year was the first time Smyth passed the 300-mark in penalty minutes. In five of his eight professional seasons, he's racked up at least 200 minutes in penalties.
Smyth played four years in the Ontario Hockey League before turning pro. He is the sixth signing of the offseason for the Sundogs.
The sixth season of Arizona Sundogs hockey is brought to you by Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel. The puck will drop on the new season in October 2011. The Sundogs will also host the 2012 CHL All-Star Game in January. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.
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Central Hockey League Stories from July 21, 2011
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- Sundogs Conclude First Town Hall Meeting of the Summer - Arizona Sundogs
- Sundogs Increase Toughness with Smyth's Return - Arizona Sundogs
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