ECHL: Ryan Smith Heads Overseas

Adirondack Thunder forward Ryan Smith is heading overseas to Germany to join Selber Wolfe of the DEL2. This comes just two days after being suspended by the Adirondack Thunder in order for them to keep his ECHL rights. He had six goals and six assists for 12 points in 18 games this season with Adirondack. This is the first time is his career that Smith will be playing overseas.

“I got a lot of information about the DEL2 from my old teammates Shawn Weller and Colin Long. Shawn played in the league for seven years – mainly for Bietigheim – and Colin was active in the DEL for three years and now lives in Germany.”

Smith on adapting to the larger ice (via Team Press Release)

Smith was one of the longest current tenured Thunder players playing in 251 total games with the team while putting up 60 goals and 71 assists for 131 points in 227 regular season games. Smith also played in three games with the Tulsa Oilers at the beginning of his career. He would add ten goals and four assists for 14 points in 24 Kelly Cup Playoff Games. Smith has played in five AHL games.

This comes as a bit of a shock after Smith re-signed with the Thunder in the off-season but as it’s been seen a lot of guys will head over to Europe to take more money. This is a massive blow to the Thunder who have also been hit hard with injuries lately.