Stealth Sign Rory Smith

Vancouver inks newly-acquired gritty defenseman to two-year deal

The Vancouver Stealth have announced that the team has signed newly-acquired defenseman Rory Smith to a two-year contract, pending league approval.

The Stealth acquired Smith in a trade in September from the Buffalo Bandits along with goaltender Eric Penney and the Bandits 2014 second round, 12th overall pick in the NLL Entry Draft. In exchange, the Stealth sent Nick Weiss, their 2014 first round, 9th overall pick, a second round pick in 2015 and a first round pick in 2018.

“It’s a very exciting day for our franchise,” said Stealth President and General Manager Doug Locker. “Rory brings so much to our team and we are extremely happy to have him here in Vancouver.”

Smith was drafted in the second round (17th overall) in the 2007 NLL Draft. Smith has played a total of 101 NLL regular season games and made the post-season every year of his pro career. In 14 playoff games, he has 1 assist, 27 loose balls and 32 penalty minutes. Smith played in the 2009 NLL Champion’s Cup. 

“I was in Nova Scotia on vacation and found out through an email that I was traded,” said Smith. “I love the West Coast. When I was playing in New Westminster, I fell in love with the mountains and the water, so it was pretty cool to be traded here.”

The 27-year-old from Mimico, Ontario is known as one of the toughest and most physical players in the NLL. Smith, entering his seventh season, has played for five teams, making the playoffs in each of his seven seasons. Smith won a Gold medal with Team Canada at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

“Rory is a tough match up problem for opposing teams and is the type of player who makes everyone around him better,” said Locker. “He is one of the best team guys in the league and brings the type of workmanlike attitude on every shift that we want this team to be known for.”

Watch Smith and the Stealth play by locking in your Single Game or Season Tickets, or choose from a selection of 3, 4 and 5 Game Packs. The Stealth open up the NLL season in Calgary on Saturday, January 3 and will host the Toronto Rock on January 10 for their 2015 Home Opener at 10 p.m. ET at the Langley Events Centre.