Equipment Manager Smith Moving up to AHL
Published on July 17, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today that inaugural season equipment manager Shawn "Stixy" Smith has made his way to the American Hockey League (AHL). Smith will be a part of another inaugural season as he has agreed to join the expansion Abbotsford Heat, located in British Columbia.
"I've always known Stixy was one of the best equipment managers and strength and fitness coaches," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "We're very proud he's going to be rewarded and take this job at the next level. I am confident he will do a tremendous job, and before long he'll be doing the same job at the NHL level."
Smith has over a decade of experience as an equipment manager, 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 (OHL). Smith made his way to the CHL in 2002 with the Amarillo Gorillas where he linked with former Gorilla, and current Rush Head Coach, Joe Ferras. Smith spent four seasons with Amarillo before he followed Ferras to Rapid City and the expansion Rush.
"When I was asked to thank those who have helped me obtain this opportunity it is with the greatest difficulty to narrow it down," said Smith. "However, my wife is making a tremendous sacrifice of putting her career on hold so that I can pursue the Canadian dream and move one step closer to the NHL. Tara and I would like to thank everyone in Amarillo, Rapid City and the CHL for providing us the unique opportunity of working together with great organizations in a first class league. Everyone in the CHL (office staff, coaches, managers, players, referees, fans, sponsors, suppliers, fellow athletic trainers and equipments managers and countless volunteers) have all affected our lives, and many have become great friends. We look forward to expanding our extended family and taking on the new challenges of parenthood in a new league, new city, and new team."
"This is a great opportunity for Stixy," said Assistant Coach Mark DeSantis. "An equipment manager has the same aspirations as a player in getting to highest level possible. So a job with the Calgary Flames and their affiliate just goes to show all of the hard work he has put in. Last year, it was no surprise and long overdue that Stixy won the equipment manager of the year award."
The Heat are the "AAA" affiliate of the NHL's Calgary Flames.
Other News:
The Rapid City Rush have introduced Taco Bell's Rush Miners Club. Membership costs $20, $15 for current season ticket holders and we are offering a $5 discount for multi-member families. Miners benefit from FREE Miners Club T-shirt, membership card with Rush lanyard, private autograph party with Rush and Nugget, locker room tour and Rush bus tour, birthday card from the Rush, $10 discount on Rush Birthday Party Package, and exclusive participation in the Official Rush Chuck-a-Puck Cleanup Crew.
For more information on Taco Bell's Miners Club, visit www.rapidcityrush.com
Season tickets for the 2009-10 season are available, call the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) for more information.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com
Central Hockey League Stories from July 17, 2009
- Equipment Manager Smith Moving up to AHL - Rapid City Rush
- Week 8 of Puska on Pucks Features Texas Brahmas - OSC Original by Denis Puska
- Americans solid down the middle with signing of NHL draft pick Graham - Allen Americans
- Quade Lightbody Announces His Retirement - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Nytex Sports Centre Recieves Strong Signal From Great Auk Wireless - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Versatile Margeson Returns to RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
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.
