Flint signs Bryan Smolinski, releases Derek Parker

[caps05]

FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals, proud members of the IHL, announced Monday the signing of Bryan Smolinski and mutual release of Derek Parker.

Smolinski is a 6'1" 205 lb center from Toledo, Ohio. This Michigan State University graduate has spent most of his career in the National Hockey League playing for nine different clubs including three Original Six teams (Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Montreal Canadiens), and a four year stint with the Los Angeles Kings from 1999-00 through most of the 2002-03 season.

When asked about joining the Generals, Smolinski said "I'm very excited to be joining the team and getting on the ice again."

Head Coach Jason Muzzatti expresses the same excitement, saying "Bryan is a player with wealth of experience and will be a tremendous addition to the team."

He spent the 2008-09 season playing for the Port Huron IceHawks, appearing in 21 regular season games and 6 playoff games before being called up to the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League. In 1056 NHL games, Smolinski tallied 274 goals, 377 assists for 651 points and collected 606 penalty minutes.

In his 7 games with the Generals, Parker had five majors and 75 total penalty minutes- leading the league in both categories.

[FlagsFan]

Sucks for Parker...but they added some SERIOUS firepower...can you imagine Rheaume-Smoke-Tuzzolino if it ends up that way?

Christ

[MAILHOT44]

Love the signing of Smolinski to help the Generals sputtering offense,but with the release of Parker they lose much needed toughness and a guy who will not hesitate to drop the mitts,guess Craig Cescon will will have to pick it up in that department unless they have a alternate plan.

[i-pod]

Would Dayton pick up Parker?

[MrFrost]

Parker proved he can play at this level. Hopefully Dayton will stop being pansies and get with the program.

[clarencegojacks]

That would make them a more energized team in the eyes of the fans I think. I need to see some excitement to go with their energy. Good pick if they do.

[blackngold]

Wonder if he'll return to the Blaze? Him vs Tippin would be a good rivalry.

[MrFrost]

Its a pretty good possibility

[Varhaug]

Yes he's going to the AAHL.

[clarencegojacks]

Smolinski was a good addition last year when he was in the league too.

[MrFrost]

No he wasnt, he got shut down by Muskegons shxtty defense in the playoffs.