Smith to "Bee" Back in the Valley

Published on July 6, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TX: July 6, 2005 - The Rio Grande Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League have another familiar face rejoining the squad as the club has announced the re-signing of defenseman Darcy Smith.

"Darcy is a very important part of our team on and off the ice," said Killer Bees Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Tracy Egeland. "The team selected him as the Unsung Hero last season and deservedly so, because he lays it on the line every game and shows up ready to play."

Smith, a 29 year-old native of Ardrossan, Alberta, competed in his fifth professional season last season and his second with the Killer Bees. The season was his career best after producing two goals and ten assists for 12 points. Nine (1 goal and 8 assists) of the 12 points were produced during February and March. Known more for being a physical presence on the ice, Smith registered 100 penalty minutes and ranks second on the all-time Bees penalty minute list with 218. He played in all 64 games with the Killer Bees in 2003/2004 despite suffering a thumb injury, which hampered him half of the season. Smith contributed 9 points on the season off of a goal and 8 assists, along with 118 penalty minutes. Eight of Smith's nine points were tallied against Southeast Division opponents. Smith signed with the Bees prior to their inaugural season after completing three seasons with the prestigious University of Alberta of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS - Canada's equivalent to the NCAA). He pursued a degree in Physical Education at Alberta, while competing in 64 games and recording 11 points off of 3 goals and 8 assists over his college tenure. Smith was a member of three consecutive Canada West conference titles at Alberta, and he was a member of the bronze medal squad at the University Cup Championship Tournament (CIS's national championship tournament) his senior season.

The 6'4", 230-pound defenseman did endure a professional career prior to enrolling as a student-athlete at Alberta. Smith turned pro during the 97/98 season with the Peoria Rivermen of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), where he led the team in penalty minutes (207) and major penalties (23). He received a call-up that same season to the International Hockey League's (IHL) Detroit Vipers. Smith joined Peoria again the following season (98/99) and finished third on the squad in penalty minutes (175) and second in major penalties (11). At the conclusion of his college career in 02/03 season, Smith played professionally in the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) for five games with the Idaho Steelheads. In 222 professional games played spanning five seasons, Smith has 6 goals and 28 assists for 34 points and 604 penalty minutes.

The rearguard also played major juniors in the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 93/94 - 96/97, competing with Seattle, Medicine Hat and Kamloops. His WHL career tallied 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points and 355 penalty minutes in 170 games. He appeared in NHL training camp with the Buffalo Sabres in 96/97 and 97/98 before turning pro.

Smith is the older brother of Nathan and Jarrett, who each play professional hockey. Nathan was the Vancouver Canucks #1 selection (23rd overall) in the 2000 NHL Draft and played last season with their top affiliate, the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL). Jarrett was drafted by the New York Islanders (3rd round) in the 1997 NHL Draft.

The signing of Smith places the Killer Bees with three players announced for the 2005/2006 campaign. He joins defensemen Sean Gillam and forward Bill Newson. If you would like to arrange an interview with Darcy Smith or Head Coach Tracy Egeland, please contact Chris Due at the Killer Bees office.

The Killer Bees will swarm the Dodge Arena again in October, as the Killer Bees are currently preparing for their third season. Season tickets and corporate opportunities are now available by calling the Killer Bees office at (956) 843-7825. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 6, 2005


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