Bryan Smolinski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bryan Smolinski |
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Smolinski in 2007
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| Born | December 27, 1971 Toledo, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Center | ||
| Shot | Right | ||
| Played for | Boston Bruins Pittsburgh Penguins New York Islanders Los Angeles Kings Ottawa Senators Chicago Blackhawks Vancouver Canucks Montreal Canadiens |
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| National team |  United States |
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| NHL Draft | 21st overall, 1990 Boston Bruins |
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| Playing career | 1992–2010 | ||
Bryan Anthony Smolinski (born December 27, 1971) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a center. Bryan was chosen by the Boston Bruins in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft when he was 18 years old. He played for many teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens. He also played in other leagues like the International Hockey League (IHL).
Contents
Bryan's Hockey Journey
Getting Started in Hockey
Bryan Smolinski grew up in Genoa, Ohio. He went to Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon, Ohio. Before joining the NHL, he played junior hockey for the Stratford Cullitons. He also played college hockey for the Michigan State Spartans.
After his first year at college, the Boston Bruins picked him in the first round of the 1990 NHL Draft. This meant they had the rights to sign him to play for their team. Bryan played four years with the Spartans. Then, he joined the Bruins at the end of the 1992–93 season.
Playing in the NHL
In his first full season with the Bruins, 1993–94, Bryan scored 31 goals and had 51 points. Points are a way to measure how well a player scores or helps others score.
In 1995, Bryan was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. A trade in hockey is when teams swap players. In his only season with the Penguins, 1995–96, he had his best year. He scored 40 assists and 64 points. An assist is when you help a teammate score a goal.
Later, in 1996, Bryan joined the New York Islanders. He played for them for three seasons. In 1999, he was part of a big trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Kings. He played four seasons for the Kings.
In 2003, Bryan was traded again, this time to the Ottawa Senators. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, when NHL games were paused, Bryan helped coach hockey at Cranbrook Kingswood. He also played a few games in a different league.
He returned to the Senators for the 2005–06 season. In 2006, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Then, in 2007, he moved to the Vancouver Canucks.
In 2007, Bryan signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. On October 22, 2007, he played his 1,000th career NHL game. This is a huge milestone for any hockey player!
After His NHL Career
After playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Bryan started coaching. He became an assistant coach for a high school team in Michigan. With his help, the team won their District Championship.
In 2009, Bryan played for the Port Huron Icehawks in the IHL. He also played briefly for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.
Today, Bryan works with the National Hockey League. He helps with their "Learn To Play" program. This program teaches kids how to play hockey. In 2015, he was honored by being added to the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. Bryan also referees high school hockey games in Michigan.
Championships
- 2016 Michigan Amateur Hockey Association 30+ Recreational Division State Champions
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year |
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| All-CCHA First Team | 1992–93 |
| AHCA West First-Team All-American | 1992–93 |
