| Mini Biography-What you need to know! |
Mark Smith was born on October 24th, 1977 in Edmonton, Alberta to Roy and Sylvia. He grew up the youngest of three children in the small farming community of Eyebrow, Saskatchewan. As a child, he played hockey on the farm pond with his brother, but moved on to play junior hockey with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in 1994. With the Hurricanes, Mark amassed 75 goals, 208 points in 250 (regular season) games total along with catching the eye of NHL scouts. In 1997, he was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 9th round, #219 overall.
In the spring of 1998, Mark got a taste of AHL minor league hockey when San Jose assigned him to their Major farm team, the Kentucky Thoroughblades where he played 2 playoff games, registering 0 points. The 5'10" 205 lb Center toiled in the minors playing for the Thoroughblades over the next two seasons, gaining Pro experience while developing his game, accumulating 41 goals, 113 points in 163 games (regular season) before finally getting the much deserved call to play in the NHL. |
Mark debuted with the San Jose Sharks on the opening night of the 2000-2001 season playing 42 games. His first career NHL goal came on 10/21/00 vs Nashville, just more than 2 weeks after his debut. It was only his 5th registered shot. Mark's tireless work ethic and natural leadership abilities are heralded by his San Jose coaches and teammates. His future in the NHL is bright!
Hockey is not the only love of Smith. At the age of 16, he began to play guitar. His hometown band, "Epic Latitudes" features Mark's vocals and guitar, along with his brother Derek on drums and friends on lead and bass. Sources say the band has recently split....how about a reunion tour???? Mark says he would like to pursue a music career after his hockey days are over.
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