Chiefs owner, All-Star Game commentator Smith joins OLN NHL studio show

October 5, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


STAMFORD, Conn. - OLN has announced that Johnstown Chiefs majority owner and 2005 ECHL All-Star Game color commentator Neil Smith will be part of the new studio show which will air following the network's NHL games on Monday and Tuesday.

Smith, who will be the NHL "insider" on the show, will join veteran NHL analyst and show host Bill Clement and former NHL All-Star Keith Jones. The studio show will include highlights from games around the league, news and updates, expanded game analysis and extensive profiles of players throughout the NHL.

One of the most innovative aspects on the set will be the unique "Demonstration Zone" which will allow the hosts to do a step-by-step replay in real time of how a play developed from start to finish and examine the reason for its success or failure. The "Demonstration Zone" will help educate the viewer on rules of the game while also teaching younger fans the proper technique involved in executing a successful play.

Smith, who has been on the ECHL All-Star Game telecast since 2002, has been a commentator on ESPN and an analyst for The NHL Network while also appearing in studio on TSN. He was general manager of the New York Rangers from 1989-2000 and was promoted to president in 1992, becoming the first president in Rangers history to also hold the title of general manager. During his tenure, which, in the history of the franchise, was second only to the legendary Lester Patrick in terms of longevity, the Rangers captured three division titles, two Presidents' Trophy honors, an Eastern Conference Championship and a Stanley Cup Championship. The championship in 1993-94 was the culmination of a season in which the Rangers set club records with 52 wins and 112 points and ended a 54-year run of Stanley Cup frustration. Following the 1991-92 and 1993-94 seasons, Smith was named Executive of the Year by The Hockey News and The Sporting News, respectively.



ECHL Stories from October 5, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central