Laredo Bucks’ Darryl Smith to Attend NHL Camp for Atlanta Thrashers
The Laredo Bucks' Darryl Smith has been invited to attend a prospects camp for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers.
The Laredo Bucks have announced that 2008-2009 CHL Rookie of the Year, Darryl Smith, will be attending the NHL Prospects Camp in Traverse City, MI, for the Atlanta Thrashers. Smith was signed to a “PTO” (player try out) contract, and will be part of the Atlanta team for September 6th – 10th. The Thrashers team is scheduled to play four games in the five-day period, so Smith should get a good workout, at the very least. Last season, Smith took part in the AHL Houston Aeros’ training camp, and was called up to the Aeros in December. The invitation from the Thrashers is another indication that Smith has the talent to play at a higher level one day. Below are the press release from the Bucks and Smith’s career stats:
TRAVERSE CITY, MI- The Laredo Bucks announced Thursday that 2008-09 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year Darryl Smith will attend NHL Prospects Camp with the Atlanta Thrashers from September 6th-10th. Smith signed a PTO (player tryout) last week with the club.
“To have one of our players at an NHL prospects camp is fantastic, I couldn’t be happier for Darryl,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “This is a great opportunity for him to try and move up to the next level.”
“Im very excited to play in the tournament with the Thrashers,” said Smith. “I hope I can play well and show everyone that i’m capable of playing at the next level.”
Smith will wear #72 on the Thrasher’s roster at the 2009 Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan from September 6th-10th. Atlanta will play four games in five days at the camp, as well as hold team practices every day.
At the conclusion of the tournament, players will be selected to participate in the Thrashers main training camp, which begins with physicals and medical testing on Sept. 12th at the Duluth Ice Forum in Duluth, Georgia.
The 22-year-old Smith had a banner year for the Bucks in 2008-09. In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Smith was the All-Star Game MVP, All-Rookie team, and Team MVP. Smith put up 70 points (36-34=70) in the regular season, to go along with eight points 5-3=8) in five playoff games. Smith led all CHL rookies in scoring, while his 36 goals were second-most in the entire league.
On December 30th Smith was called up to the AHL’s Houston Aeros, the team he attended training camp with last October. The Bucks rookie phenom played four games with the Aeros.
Smith, from Thorold, Ontario, was named CHL Player of the Week on December 8th, as he picked up nine points (5-4=9) in three games.
The Thrasher’s AHL affiliate is the Chicago Wolves, and Smith could attend their training camp as well.
*ATLANTA THRASHERS PROSPECT TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE*
-Sun. Sept. 6th vs. Detroit, 5:30pm CST
-Mon. Sept 7th vs. NY Rangers, 2pm CST
-Wed. Sept 9th vs. Carolina, 3:30pm CST
-Thur. Sept 10th, Final Round TBD