Nailers Grab Another High Scorer
Published on August 19, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
Another exciting goal scorer is coming to the Nailers as they have announced the signing of center Darryl Smith for the upcoming 2010-2011 season. Smith is coming off back to back 35+ goal campaigns with the Laredo (Tex.) Bucks of the Central Hockey League prior to being acquired by the Wheeling Nailers, the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It's also the second straight former Rookie of the Year acquired by Nailers Head Coach Stan Drulia. Smith won the CHL award in 2009 and will now team up with the 2010 IHL Rookie of the Year Mikael Bedard who was signed by the Nailers last week.
The 23 year old from Thorold, Ontario has been a model of scoring consistency in his two pro seasons in Laredo scoring 35 goals and 71 points last year which followed a very similar rookie campaign in 2008-09 with 36 goals and 70 points.
"Darryl Smith is a talented scorer who will be a great addition to our team," Drulia said. "I know he's excited to compete here and show his abilities in the ECHL and we're happy to give him that opportunity. He was tremendous with Laredo the past couple of seasons and I think with continued hard work he can be equally impressive as a Nailer."
Coming out of Gatineau in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Smith impressed right away in his debut pro season. The lefty shooting center scored a hat trick in his very first pro game on October 17, 2008 and just kept rolling from there. He ended up winning CHL Rookie of the Year honors and finished second overall in the league in goals with 36 while scoring the most power play goals with 9. He also was the MVP for the league's All-Star Game with a goal and an assist and was named as Laredo's team MVP as well.
Smith kept up the pace last year including winning CHL Player of the Month honors in January with 10 goals and 16 points in 12 games. Among his 35 goals were 12 power play goals, 2 short-handed tallies and again 9 game-winners.
Darryl Smith's head coach with the Laredo Bucks was NHL veteran and former Pittsburgh Penguins captain Terry Ruskowski who was frequently setting up many Mario Lemiuex goals early in his career in the mid-1980's.
Smith has also received two call-ups to the AHL appearing in games with Manitoba and Houston. In the fall of 2009, Smith participated in the Atlanta Thrashers prospect camp in Michigan where he scored one goal and two assists in four games. Both of his assists were on goals scored by the highly touted rookie Evander Kane of the Thrashers.
Smith's last year of major juniors in the Quebec League in 2007-08 saw him score 26 goals and 52 points on a talented Gatineau team that went 43-19-8. He checks in at 5'11" and 190 pounds and is the fifth player signing officially announced by the Nailers.
Nailers announced signings for 2010-2011:
Mikael Bedard
Kyle Bushee
Mike Gershon
Darryl Smith
Kris Vernarsky
Come see future Pittsburgh Penguins start their careers in Wheeling! The Nailers will open training camp in early October for the 19th season of professional hockey in the Friendly City. The season opener at WesBanco Arena is Friday, October 15th against the Toledo Walleye. Season tickets are on sale now providing great value and awesome benefits for Nailers fans. Get an 8 game Saturday Super Pack for only $100 or pick your favorite dates in a 12 game mini-pack for only $150!
Call the Nailers for more info at 304-234-GOAL or toll-free at 1-877-NAIL-TIX. Log on for more details at wheelingnailers.com
ECHL Stories from August 19, 2010
- Royals Sign Forward Eric Faille - Reading Royals
- Berube, Campose Bring Roster to Ten - Idaho Steelheads
- Cyclones Announce 2010-11 Preseason Schedule - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Nailers Grab Another High Scorer - Wheeling Nailers
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