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Standing Ovation for Smyth
by Alanah McGinley on 10/23/07 at 11:28 PM ET
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From the CP,
Ryan Smyth, the former Edmonton Oiler, made good on his prediction Tuesday just before he faced off for the first time against his old team since his shocking trade eight months ago.
The mullet-haired left winger, now with the Colorado Avalanche, became teary-eyed as he lined up in pre-game ceremonies, watched a one-minute video tribute of his 11 seasons with the copper and blue, and received a 30-second standing ovation from the 16,839 fans at Rexall Place.
It wasn’t a weeper to rival the saddest of sports sob stories, “Brian’s Song,” but it had its moments.
Updated 3:30am ET:
Smyth’s comments in the Denver Post:
“It was a nice tribute to me and my family by (the Oilers). It’s quite an honor to come back to the city where you started your NHL career and be recognized like I was tonight,” said Smyth, who went scoreless in the game. “The fans were great to me, and I really appreciate that.”
added 5:53am by Paul, The first 55 seconds or so of the video (below) shows the ovation Smyth received from the Oilers fans.
Update 1:41pm ET: More commentary from John MacKinnon at The Edmonton Journal.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Edmonton Oilers | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: colorado+avalanche, edmonton+oilers, ryan+smyth,
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Okay.... I’ll admit it. I got choked up too, only wishing the Wings had tried for the guy. Damn cap.
Posted by snafu from Michigan on 10/24/07 at 08:01 AM ET