
Laredo's Darryl Smith Named CHL Rookie of the Year
March 19, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Laredo Bucks forward Darryl Smith has been selected the recipient of the 2008-09 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year award following balloting among CHL head coaches, communication's departments and selected media members in each market. The Rookie of the Year award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to be the most proficient in his first year of professional competition.'
Smith was selected on 29 of the 50 ballots submitted finishing ahead of Rio Grande Valley's Nicolas Dumoulin who received 12 votes. Smith was named a member of the CHL All-Rookie Team earlier in the week.
It was very clear from the first game of the season on October 17th, 2008 that the St. Catharines, Ontario native was going to have a season to remember. In the Bucks 7-1 opening night win over Rocky Mountain, Smith netted the first 2008-09 hat trick in the CHL and the first of 36 goals on the season (through the games of March 18th, 2009). In 58 games, Smith has totaled 69 points (36-33=69) and has a +18 plus/minus rating. His nine game-winning goals is tied for the league lead and his point total is tops among all first year players.
The 5-11, 190-pound forward has also played four games in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Houston Aeros, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. He was re-called on December 30th and stayed a week with the Aeros.
Smith signed with the Bucks in the Fall after a prolific junior career in both the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League. His final junior season was his best scoring 52 points (26-26=52) in 70 games with Gatineau. He also recorded eight goals with five assists in 19 playoff games with the Olympiques.
Other accolades received by Smith this season include being named the Most Valuable Player for the CHL All-Star Team in the 2009 CHL All-Star Game in Loveland, Colorado. He also was named the Oakley CHL Player of the Week on December 8th (for the week of December 1st).
The remaining CHL Awards will be announced throughout the week including later today (Thursday, March 19th) when the CHL Coach of the Year is announced. The CHL Most Valuable Player recipient will be announced on Monday, March 23rd.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2009
- Ftorek's overtime winner gives Gorillas 5-4 win over Scorpions - Amarillo Gorillas
- Kaminski Named CHL Coach of the Year - Mississippi RiverKings
- Scorpions Playoff Hopes Still Alive After Overtime Loss - New Mexico Scorpions
- Mississippi's Kevin Kaminski Named CHL Coach of the Year - CHL
- Brahmas Individual Playoff Tickets On Sale Friday - Fort Worth Brahmas
- 'Bugs to Finish Regular Season at Home This Weekend - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- CHL Honors Jeff Lund - Tulsa Oilers
- Laredo's Darryl Smith Named CHL Rookie of the Year - CHL
- Bucks Smith Wins Rookie Of The Year - Laredo Bucks
- Gorillas to hold end-of-season party Sunday - Amarillo Gorillas
- Scorpions Celebrate Their Season This Weekend - New Mexico Scorpions
- Bucks Host Brahmas Tonight In Home Finale - Laredo Bucks
- Jacks First Round Playoff Series Determined - Odessa Jackalopes
- Rush Use Five Special Teams Goals To Silence Thunder 6-3 - Rapid City Rush
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