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Icehawks Sign NHL Center

February 24, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks have added a big dose of experience, leadership and offensive firepower as they make a run towards the International Hockey League playoffs. Head Coach and General Manager Stan Drulia announced Tuesday that the team has signed Bryan Smolinksi, a center with 1,179 games experience in the National Hockey League.

Smolinski (6-1, 215 lbs) played for the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007-08 season and recorded 25 points (8g, 17a) in 64 games. The veteran center has spent nearly his entire 16 year career in the NHL, including extended stints with the Bostons Bruins, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators. He bounced around in the last three seasons (2005-2008), skating with the Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and the Canadiens.

Throughout the course of his career, the 37-year old Toledo, Ohio native has played in 1,056 regular season games and amassed 651 points (274g, 377a). He has also put up 52 points (23g, 29a) in 123 playoffs games.

"Adding a player of Bryan's ability and accomplishments is both great for Port Huron and for the IHL," Drulia said. "He brings with him an abundance of leadership and NHL experience. His presence in the locker room and on the ice will make all of our players better. I think the guys are excited and understand that they can learn from him and how he conducts himself."

Smolinksi enjoyed a successful career at Michigan State University (1989-1993) and was drafted 21st overall by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. In his final collegiate season, he was named to the NCAA's first All-American team and went on to join the Bruins for nine regular season games and the Stanley Cup playoffs. He also received several accolades during his NHL career. He was a member of the U.S. World Cup team in 1996 and the U.S. World Championship team in 1998 and 1999.

The center, who resides with his family in Birmingham, Michigan, played for the Motor City Mechanics in the United Hockey League during the NHL lockout in 2004-05. He has several ties to Port Huron. He is friends with Icehawks defenseman Chris Bogas and briefly played with Drulia in 1996 as a member of the IHL Detroit Vipers.

"I'm healthy again. I feel good. I've been working out and skating," Smolinski told ESPN.com last week. "(Port Huron) is only an hour from Detroit. Listen, I want to help. I'm going in there with the right frame of mind. I'm going to work hard and see what happens."

Smolinski is looking to revive his career, but is coming to Port Huron without expectations.

"It would be an awesome small miracle," he said of making a return to the NHL. "Even if it doesn't happen, I'm joining a great team and a great organization. They love their hockey in Port Huron. It's an exciting time."

Smolinski's career stats: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5060.

The center is expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday when the Icehawks travel to Kalamazoo to take on the K-Wings. He will make his debut at McMorran Arena this weekend when the Icehawks return home for back-to-back games with the Bloomington PrairieThunder on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets for all Icehawks home games are available now at the Icehawks office, McMorran Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations and www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call 810-966-3800 or visit www.porthuronicehawks.com.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 24, 2009


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.

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