CHL Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager of the Year Awards Announced
Published on March 16, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today the winners of the 2008-09 Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager of the Year determined by voting among the equipment managers and trainers from the CHL. Rocky Mountain's Osama Kassab has been selected the Athletic Trainer of the Year, while Rapid City's Shawn Smith earns the honor of being named the Equipment Manager of the Year.
Kassab is in his third season with the Rage joining the team prior to the start of their inaugural 2006-07 season. He graduated from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado with a degree in athletic training and then continued his education at Colorado State University where he received a master's in exercise science. After receiving his masters, the Littleton, Colorado native worked for a year at the world-renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic. For the second consecutive season, Laredo's Bobby Moore finished second place in the balloting.
Smith, known in the hockey world as 'Stixy', is in his first season with the expansion Rush but has more than a decade of experience in hockey including five years in the CHL. The Fort Erie, Ontario native began his career as an equipment assistant with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and eventually made his way to the CHL in 2002 with the Amarillo Gorillas where he linked with then Amarillo and current Rapid City coach Joe Ferras. He joined Rapid City's staff after spending four seasons with the Gorillas. Smith attended Canadore College, Brock University and Cambrian College where he received diplomas in Physical Education & Health Studies as well as Physical Fitness Leadership Management. He and wife Tara-Gilliland Smith welcomed son Brandon earlier in the season. Finishing second place in balloting was Rio Grande Valley's Doug Tretiak.
The All-CHL and All-Rookie teams will be announced on Tuesday with the remaining CHL Awards announced throughout the next week. The CHL Most Valuable Player recipient will be announced Monday, March 23rd.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2009
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- Rapid City's Shawn Smith Voted Equipment Manager Of The Year - Rapid City Rush
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