Guide Note

Ryan Smyth is a professional hockey player. In July of 2007, he signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Ryan Alexander Gordon Smyth
2. Born: February 21, 1976
3. Birthplace: Banff, Alberta, Canada
4. Position: Left wing
5. Shoots: Left
6. Member of 2002 Team Canada Olympic Gold Medal Ice Hockey team
7. 2007: Signed as free agent with Colorado Avalanche

Smyth began his career in the Western Hockey League, playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors. He was drafted sixth overall in the 1994 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. He made his NHL debut the same year, but spent the majority of the season with the Oilers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers. Smyth earned a full roster spot on the Oilers in 1995, playing in 48 games. In 2002, Smyth represented his native Canada in the Winter Olympics, taking home a gold medal. He also joined the Oilers in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes. Smyth continued with the Oilers until February 27, 2007, when he was traded to the New York Islanders. He completed the season with the Islanders, then signed as a free agent during the off-season with the Colorado Avalanche.