Denis Smirnov Re-Signs with Norfolk Admirals: A Homecoming After Penn State Success

The Norfolk Admirals Professional Hockey Club has officially signed forward Denis Smirnov to a standard player contract for the upcoming 2023-24 season. This announcement marks Smirnov’s return to Norfolk, where he showcased his skills in 39 games last season despite facing challenges like injuries. The 25-year-old Russian forward demonstrated resilience, amassing 21 points, including 9 goals and 12 assists. His impressive performance in the final 17 games, where he secured 15 points, highlighted his growing confidence and determination.

Admirals’ head coach Jeff Carr expressed optimism about Smirnov’s potential, stating that if he stays healthy, the forward has the capacity to be a consistent 50-60 point contributor. Carr emphasized the importance of surrounding Smirnov with prolific goal scorers to elevate the team’s success.

Remembering Penn State Period

We remember Smirnov’s standout period at Penn State University from 2016 to 2020. His freshman season was a revelation, with a record-breaking 47 points, making him the highest-scoring first-year player in the program’s history. The Colorado Avalanche recognized his talent, selecting him in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

After a promising start, Smirnov faced challenges in maintaining the same level of performance over the subsequent seasons at Penn State. Nevertheless, his collegiate career was filled with memorable achievements, including winning the 2017 Big Ten tournament championship and the recent Big Ten regular season championship.

De Rosa and Others

Reflecting on his time at Penn State, Smirnov spoke fondly about the professional treatment he received, emphasizing the responsibilities that came with it. He credited his mentor, Ricky DeRosa, for helping him navigate the transition to college life and honing his skills on and off the ice. DeRosa now graduated and playing professionally, recalled the unique experience of being part of Smirnov’s development, praising him as a genuinely nice person with exceptional skills.

Smirnov’s impact extended beyond the rink, fostering strong bonds with teammates like Trevor Hamilton and Nikita Pavlychev. Hamilton, Smirnov’s former roommate, highlighted his unselfish nature both on and off the ice, underscoring his generosity and humility.

Awaiting for New Sucecces with Admirals

The news of Smirnov’s return to the Admirals is met with enthusiasm, not just from the organization but from the fans who witnessed his growth and achievements at Penn State. Whether he continues his journey in the United States or embraces opportunities overseas, one thing is certain – Denis Smirnov carries with him a legacy of resilience, camaraderie, and a deep passion for the sport. We will follow the career of an ex-Penn State player and never let his new goals and wins slip under our radar. And that is true for new online casinos too, so be sure you never let a new online casino release slip under your radar with this updated list of new casinos. As Denis Smirnov starts the 2023-24 season with the Admirals, fans eagerly await to see the continued evolution of this talented forward.