The Norfolk Admirals announced today they have re-signed Denis Smirnov for the 2024-25 ECHL season. Smirnov, a Moskva, RUS native, played 62 games for the Admirals last season between the regular season and the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
The 27-year-old first broke into the ECHL during the 2021-22 season when he signed with the Kalamazoo Wings. During that season, he tallied two goals and three assists in 27 games. Of his five points, one goal came on the powerplay, and one assist was shorthanded. The following season, he would sign with the Admirals. Since joining the Admirals, his play has been better and better. In his first season, he played 39 games, notching nine goals and 12 assists. He tallied one goal and five assists on the powerplay, showing he can be a threat on the man advantage. Just last season, he put up 16 goals and 34 assists between the regular season and Kelly Cup Playoffs. He was, again, a threat on the powerplay, collecting three PPGs and an incredible 21 PPAs.
Prior to turning pro, Smirnov spent four seasons at Penn State University. With the Nittany Lions, he played 137 games, tallying 50 goals and 65 assists. Despite his smaller frame, being listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, Smirnov plays a bigger game. He uses his speed to get into a better position to set himself, and teammates up for a perfect scoring chance. This season, fans can expect Smirnov to continue being a threat on the powerplay, and at 5-on-5.
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