Bucks' Smith To Attend NHL Camp With Atlanta
August 13, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
TRAVERSE CITY, MI- The Laredo Bucks announced Thursday that 2008-09 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year Darryl Smith will attend NHL Prospects Camp with the Atlanta Thrashers from September 6th-10th. Smith signed a PTO (player tryout) last week with the club.
"To have one of our players at an NHL prospects camp is fantastic, I couldn't be happier for Darryl," said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. "This is a great opportunity for him to try and move up to the next level."
"Im very excited to play in the tournament with the Thrashers," said Smith. "I hope I can play well and show everyone that i'm capable of playing at the next level."
Smith will wear #72 on the Thrasher's roster at the 2009 Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan from September 6th-10th. Atlanta will play four games in five days at the camp, as well as hold team practices every day.
At the conclusion of the tournament, players will be selected to participate in the Thrashers main training camp, which begins with physicals and medical testing on Sept. 12th at the Duluth Ice Forum in Duluth, Georgia.
The 22-year-old Smith had a banner year for the Bucks in 2008-09. In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Smith was the All-Star Game MVP, All-Rookie team, and Team MVP. Smith put up 70 points (36-34=70) in the regular season, to go along with eight points 5-3=8) in five playoff games. Smith led all CHL rookies in scoring, while his 36 goals were second-most in the entire league.
On December 30th Smith was called up to the AHL's Houston Aeros, the team he attended training camp with last October. The Bucks rookie phenom played four games with the Aeros.
Smith, from Thorold, Ontario, was named CHL Player of the Week on December 8th, as he picked up nine points (5-4=9) in three games.
The Thrasher's AHL affiliate is the Chicago Wolves, and Smith could attend their training camp as well.
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