Ryan Smyth has had a lifelong passion for hockey. The Alberta born and raised forward was a fan favourite as an Edmonton Oiler and on team Canada.
Smyth retired in 2014, after 19 years in the NHL. He says the first year away from the game was a struggle, saying goodbye to such a big part of his life and the team that he considered family.
Life after hockey has brought precious extra time with family, and even coaching two of his children’s teams. Now he’s focused on inspiring the next generations in the game that he loves. He’s also playing on a new team himself, building a new camaraderie in senior hockey in Alberta.
Smyth will always be linked to hockey, and being away from the NHL hasn’t slowed him down.
