Mark Smith
Born (1977-10-24) October 24, 1977
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb)
Position Centre
Shot Left
Played for San Jose Sharks
Calgary Flames
NHL Draft 219th overall, 1997
San Jose Sharks
Playing career 19982008

Mark Christopher Smith (born October 24, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames.

Playing career

Smith was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the ninth round, 219th overall, in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

On July 24, 2006, Smith was awarded a $700,000 one-year contract through arbitration. In September 2007, he was invited for a tryout at the New York Rangers training camp; however, after playing in 2 pre-season games with the club, he was released. Less than a week later, he was signed by the Flames.

His career was ended when he was crushed into the boards by Derek Boogaard and suffered neck injuries on March 22, 2008. [1]

Playing style

Smith was a fast skater with an energetic checking style and scrappy demeanour that sometimes resulted in fights. San Jose had utilized Smith as a penalty killer and powerplay specialist.

In the 2005–06 NHL season Smith displayed some of his offensive ability by setting a career high in regular season and playoff goals.

Off the ice

Smith is the guitarist and lead singer for the Bay Area band, The Vinyl Trees, featured on Smith's own record label Lunar Records. He started Lunar Records during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. Smith, who has been playing guitar since age 16, adds color to his music with a variety of other instruments like the Didgeridoo, the Xylophone, and the Donkey Jaw. He is also known for his constantly changing hair styles.

Smith made his debut as a commentator for Comcast Sports Net Bay Area during the 2009 playoffs. He is a color commentator for select San Jose Sharks games. He and his wife ran a clothing store, Ayla, in downtown Campbell, California, now closed.[1]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GPGAPtsPIM GPGAPtsPIM
1994–95 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 4934725
1995–96 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 7111243559 42022
1996–97 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 62193857125 197132051
1997–98 Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL 704267109206 302218
1997–98 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 20000
1998–99 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 78182139101 1227916
1999–00 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 79214566153 905522
2000–01 Kentucky Thoroughblades AHL 626823
2000–01 San Jose Sharks NHL 4222451
2001–02 San Jose Sharks NHL 4933672
2002–03 San Jose Sharks NHL 754111564
2003–04 San Jose Sharks NHL 3613472 1010111
2004–05 Victoria Salmon Kings ECHL 20691541
2005–06 San Jose Sharks NHL 809152497 83032
2006–07 San Jose Sharks NHL 413101342 30004
2007–08 Calgary Flames NHL 5413459
NHL totals 377233760457 2440421

Awards and achievements

  • Named to the WHL East Second All-Star Team in 1998

References

  1. 1 2 Mercury News, Taking it to the streets — ex-Shark Mark Smith looks to be enjoying his life and his music after the NHL.
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