Giants fans were today rocked by the news the teams leader in all-time goals and points, Jason Ruff has called it quits on his career and left the team.  Ruff who signed a one year contract with the Giants back on June 25th handed in his notice to coach Ed Courtenay two weeks ago leaving Courtenay with the tough task of replacing Jason Ruff.  It’s a job nobody would want to do, replacing the Giants greatest ever player but he’s found his man in winger Ryan Smith. 

Ok, before you get all excited by that name like I did, take note of the surname spelling.  It is not that Ryan Smyth!!  This Smith however comes on the recommendation of Mark Dutiaume.  He’s been plying his trade in the lower German leagues the past couple of years.  I already kind of feel sorry for the guy, he’s coming to the Giants to replace Jason Ruff and in some ways unfortunately a lot of fans will judge his game against Jason Ruff’s.  Saying that however, nobody will replace Jason Ruff who although on the late end of his 30’s and definitely losing a yard in pace was still one of the most complete players in the Elite League.  I’ll save the Jason Ruff praise and calls for the retirement of number 17 from the Giants for another article later in the week.

It also kind of screws up the article I wrote just earlier this afternoon about the age of this years Giants team.  Ryan Smith is 33 years of age and with this change the Giants average age now drops from 29.4 to 29.1 making it the second oldest Giants team of all-time.

It now makes the signing of veteran defenseman Troy Neumeier more obvious.  He will fill the veteran presence Jason Ruff brought to the Giants locker room and will likely replace him as assistant coach to Ed Courtenay.

Ryan will get a shot on the top two lines of the Giants and will likely line up on a line with pal Mark Dutiaume.  If his scoring record from the German leagues can continue here then he’ll certainly help fill the void left by Jason Ruff.

Category: Player Signings » » |

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