Former Washington Capitals trainer Greg Smith was back at Kettler Capitals Iceplex checking out Wednesday’s practice. Smith was employed with the Capitals for 18 seasons as their Head Athletic Trainer before retiring prior to this season.
“Smitty” as the coaches and players like to call him was back catching up with familiar friends. He spent some time with Trotz as well as assistant coach Lane Lambert.
Dmitry Orlov shook his hand as practice concluded on his way back to the locker room.
But perhaps the one player that was the most excited to see him was Jay Beagle as the two of them hugged it out.
As NoVa Caps reported prior to the season, Smith began his hockey training career as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Baltimore Bandits (currently named the Rockford Ice Hogs) and also served that role for Team USA during the 1998 and 2004 World Championships. His time with the Capitals began as an intern during the 1994-95 season. Prior to becoming a Head Athletic Trainer for the Capitals in 1999, he served two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks (the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim at the time) for two seasons. Additionally, Smith is a co-founder of Pivot Physical Therapy, a collection of of physical therapy clinics in states around the mid-atlantic.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a focus on athletic training and special education from Salisbury State University and a master’s degree in athletic training in 1993 from California University of Pennsylvania.
Smith served in his 1,500th game as the Head Athletic trainer during the 2014-15 season and was recognized by the Capitals during a home game against the Maple Leafs on March 1, 2015. Additionally, during his final season with the Capitals, Smith was selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Metropolitan Division All-Star team at the 2017 NHL All Star Game in Los Angeles.
By Michael Marzzacco
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