Mike Smith (ice hockey)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Goalie |
| Catches | Left |
| Height Weight |
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 210 lb (95 kg) |
| NHL Team | Dallas Stars |
| Nationality |  Canada |
| Born | March 22, 1982, Kingston, ON, CAN |
| NHL Draft | 161st overall, 2001 Dallas Stars |
| Pro Career | 2002 – present |
Mike Smith (born March 22, 1982 in Kingston, Ontario) is a Canadian hockey goaltender playing in his rookie season for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. In his first-ever regulation NHL game on October 21, 2006, Smith stopped 22 shots to post a shutout against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Smith began his hockey career in 1999 playing for his hometown Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. That season he played 15 games while backing up future NHL player Andrew Raycroft (currently with the Toronto Maple Leafs).
After the start of the 2000-2001 season, Smith moved to Sudbury Wolves where he played 43 games registering a 2.52 GAA and 0.913 save percentage in the regular season. The Wolves made it to the second round of the playoffs that year with Smith in net.
In 2001, Mike Smith was drafted by Dallas in the fifth round, 161st overall, and continued to play in Sudbury, again taking the Wolves into the post-season. Their playoff run ended in five games as the Barrie Colts won the series 4-1.
The subsequent season saw Smith's departure from the junior leagues when he split the season between Lexington of the ECHL and Utah of the AHL. He played only 11 games in Utah backing up Jason Bacashihua and Corey Hirsch. For 2003-2004, Utah added Dan Ellis to their roster, with whom Smith split back up duties, again to Bacashihua. Smith went to play for the Houston Aeros in 2004-2005 sharing the net almost equally with Josh Harding, putting up a 0.915 save percentage and 2.42 GAA.
Smith joined the Iowa Stars for their inaugural season in 2005-2006. The Stars played Smith and Dan Ellis back and forth for much of the season until Smith appeared to take much of the netminding responsibilities late in the season. A Stars rally in the stretch secured the final Western Conference playoff spot. Smith started in every game of the seven-game series against the Milwaukee Admirals which Milwaukee ultimately won.
Smith underwent shoulder surgery during the off-season for an injury he sustained during Iowa's 2005-2006 season. After a faster-than-expected recovery, Smith attended the Dallas Stars' training camp in the fall of 2006, and was awarded the backup goaltender position behind Marty Turco.
On January 4, Mike was hit in the head by a 100 mph slapshot. This caused him to miss a few weeks with a concussion. But he came back strong, winning 2 games in which Turco was pulled. Then he registered a 32 save shutout vs the Ducks on February 10.
Mike Smith also started the year living with Marty Turco and his family. He eventually moved out, and recently signed a 2 year, $950,000 a year contract. Impressive considering he has played few games in the NHL. His number is 41 and he always wears a black Dallas Stars cap while on the bench.
Smith has experienced instant success in his role with the Stars. With Turco faltering, Dallas has turned to Smith to play some big games for the team. Early in February, Smith got the start against the Anaheim Ducks, rivals to the Stars. Smith registered 32 saves, and earned a shutout as Dallas went on to win the game 1-0. Since his stellar play that game, the Stars have began to use a two goalie system. Smith and Turco switch out between most games, ensuring that both of their goalies are both well rested. Thus far, the system has worked flawlessly. As the playoffs are nearing, Mike Smith might be getting the opportunity to play in some high-pressure games.
