Smith Called up to San Antonio
January 13, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska â Aces center Mark Smith has been loaned to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League.
Smith will fly to San Antonio Tuesday morning from Las Vegas, where Alaska (22-10-3) will tangle with the Wranglers that night with second place in the Pacific Division on the line. The 25-year-old Kelowna, B.C. native had been fourth on the team in scoring with 34 points on 14 goals and 20 assists and sealed Alaska's 4-2 victory Saturday night at home against San Diego with an empty-netter. He has three two-goal games to his credit, most recently in a January 3 win over Bakersfield, and has been accountable at both ends of the ice, as evidenced by his +12 rating.
Before arriving in Anchorage, Smith attended training camp with the Utah Grizzlies, San Antonio's West Division rival in the AHL. After presumably being in the lineup in time for the Rampage's Tuesday night clash with division leader Grand Rapids, Smith likely will suit up against Utah Thursday and in back-to-back tilts with defending Calder Cup champion Houston Friday and Saturday.
"We're happy to give Mark his first opportunity to play in the American Hockey League," said San Antonio head coach Scott Allen. "He has steadily been making progress in the hockey world and comes highly recommended."
Smith played in the ECHL last year for Lexington, finishing second on the team in scoring with 54 points (22g-32a). He also scored 20 goals in 2000 for Odessa in the now-defunct WPHL and in 2002 for Knoxville in the United Hockey League. Smith's promotion marks the first time in club history that an active member of the Aces has been called up to the AHL.
Following Tuesday's game in Las Vegas, the Aces continue their road trip Friday in Bakersfield and Saturday and Sunday against San Diego. Alaska Aces games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.alaskaaces.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.
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