both New York teams. Smith stated, "Knowing that I'll be working in the same office where one of my mentors, Bill Torrey, created a dynasty is an unbelievable feeling. Al Arbour, whom I owe everything to, gave me my first hockey job as an advance scout. I wear my Islanders Stanley Cup ring with immense pride. To be able to come full circle and return home to the Islanders is a dream." On July 18, 2006, before the season began, Smith was fired and replaced by Islanders goaltender Garth Snow, who retired from his playing position on the team upon being hired. Smith reportedly had grown frustrated with his lack of authority on personnel and staffing decisions, as owner Charles Wang had at that time instituted a setup where decisions were made collectively by a group of advisors rather than by the general manager alone. Wang believed that Smith was incapable of fitting within this model and subsequently fired him. Pat LaFontaine, who had recently been hired by the team as a senior adviser, quit his post the same day in reaction to the firing of Smith. Smith was named as an assistant to Dallas Stars general manager Doug Armstrong shortly after being let go by the Islanders, October 27, 2006. Broadcasting Smith has spent time broadcasting NHL games for various networks, and has also done some studio work. Smith has worked for ESPN, TSN, Versus and NHL Network. Neil Smith has also served as a guest host on Hockey Night in Canada Radio on Sirius offering his insight alongside host Jeff Marek. Honors 1981–82 Adams Cup Championship (CHL) Indianapolis Checkers 1985–86 Calder Cup Championship (AHL) Adirondack Red Wings 1988–89 Calder Cup Championship (AHL) Adirondack Red Wings In 1991, Smith was inducted into the Western Michigan University Hall of Fame 1991–92 Executive of the Year by The Hockey News 1993–94 Executive of the Year by The Sporting News 1993–94 Stanley Cup Championship New York Rangers Present Smith was also the owner and governor of the Johnstown Chiefs hockey team. He also served as the team's head coach. In 2010, Johnstown relocated their franchise to Greenville, SC. The franchise now serves as a Carolina Hurricanes affiliate, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. References External links Neil Smith at NHLGM.com 1954 births Anaheim Ducks scouts Canadian ice hockey defencemen Canadian sports announcers Dallas Stars executives Dayton Gems players Detroit Red Wings executives Detroit Red