SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Crunch have announced that former team captain Dan Smith will return to Syracuse to take part in the pre-game ceremonies at the Mirabito Outdoor Classic, the AHL’s first-ever outdoor game, featuring the host Crunch and Binghamton Senators at the New York State Fairgrounds on February 20 at 1:00 p.m.Also apprearing at the game will be former New York Islanders great Bobby Nystrom, a member of four Stanley Cup championship teams in the 1980s.
Smith, 33, appeared in 156 games with the Crunch over two seasons from 2007-09, collecting four goals, 10 assists and 164 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound blueliner was known as a defensive defenseman with outstanding penalty killing and shot-blocking skills. His tireless work ethic and leadership ability endeared him to Crunch fans, becoming one of the most popular players in club history.
In addition, Smith served as an alternate captain during the 2007-08 season before being named team captain on October 16, 2008.
Over his 13-year professional career, Smith skated in 731 American Hockey League games with the Crunch, Hershey, Springfield, Toronto (Roadrunners), Edmonton (Roadrunners), Hamilton and Grand Rapids, compiling 30 goals, 106 assists and 727 penalty minutes. He also skated in 22 combined NHL games with Colorado and Edmonton, registering 16 penalty minutes.
A native of Fernie, British Columbia, Smith was selected by Colorado in the seventh round, 181st overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
Nystrom, 57, appeared in 900 National Hockey League games, all with the New York Islanders, from 1972 – 86, tallying 235 goals, 278 assists and 1,248 penalty minutes. The right wing was a member of New York’s four straight Stanley Cup-winning teams from 1979 – 83, scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal in overtime of game six against Philadelphia to give the Islanders their first title in 1979-80.
Known for his physical, hard-working style of play, Nystrom became a fan favorite, earning the nickname ‘Mr. Islander’. His number 23 was retired by the organization on April 1, 1995. In addition, the Islanders also named yearly award in his honor, given to the player that best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication.
A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Nystrom was raised in Hinton, Alberta. He was selected by New York in the third round, 33rd overall, in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft.
Tickets for the Mirabito Outdoor Classic are priced at $30 for end grandstand and $40 for center grandstand seating. Group pricing begins at 20 tickets and range as low as $26.
In addition, tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444, calling TicketMaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street Side of the War Memorial.
Courtesy: Syracuse Crunch
