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Brought in as a free agent acquisition in the summer, seven-year professional Nathan Smith played in the first 44 games of the year before his season ended prematurely due to a knee injury in late January. Prior to the injury, the native of Strathcona, Alberta, was Lake Erie’s locker room leader, wearing the captain’s “C” on his sweater. Despite the mid-season injury, Smith was a vocal presence in the locker room, helping to mentor the younger players on the team both on and off the ice with his veteran leadership and wisdom. Smith ended the season with 16 points (6G, 10A) and 42 penalty minutes in 44 games.

Highlights:

• October 12th, 2008: Scored his first goal of the season, a game-winner in 4-3 win against Toronto; named first star of the game.

• November 19th, 2008: Recorded his first multi-point game of the season (2A) in 5-4 loss against Chicago.

• January 11th, 2009: Registered second multi-point game of the season (1G, 1A) in 3-0 win against Philadelphia; named second star of the game.

• January 14th, 2008: Recorded third multi-point game and first multi-goal game (2G), including the game-winning goal, in 3-0 win against Quad City; named second star of the game.