Torspo Hockey International, Inc. appointed Neil Smith to its board of directors. Smith brings over 35 years hockey industry experience to all of the Torspo Hockey brands including Torspo Hockey, K2 fitness ice skates, First Stride, Recreational skates, Ice Armor and Switch-It.
Smith will serve in an important advisory role as Torspo Hockey continues to strive to meet its ambitious goals. His experience and success in the hockey community and key organizations within it will play an integral role in the momentum and growth of Torspo Hockey LTD both domestically and internationally. Smith was the President and General Manager of the New York Rangers from 1989-2000, winning a Stanley Cup in 1994 (the Rangers only Stanley Cup since 1940).
Earlier in his career, Neil was GM of two AHL Calder Cup Champion teams for the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, Adirondack Red Wings, in 1985-1986 and 1988-1989. In 1989, as Director of Scouting for the Red Wings, Smith put together what Sports Illustrated recently called “the greatest draft in sports history.”
Selecting Mike Sillinger, Bob Boughner, Niklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Dallas Drake, and Vladimir Konstaninov, Smith helped cement Detroit’s dominance in the NHL well into the new millennium. Smith recently has spent time as a consultant for a number of NHL teams including the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2000-2002, Pittsburgh Penguins 2002-2006, Dallas Stars 2006-2007, and the Anaheim Ducks from 2007-2009. Neil has done work for major media outlets including ESPN, NHL Network, NHL Radio, Versus, Hockey Night in Canada Radio, and TSN. He is the majority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL and is currently acting as the President and Head Coach.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Neil Smith to the Torspo Board of Directors. Having an incredibly experienced, quality individual, and team player of Neils caliber onboard will unquestionably help us reach our goals and potential. The addition of Neil Smith will help us to penetrate markets that demonstrate significant growth potential for the company,” Dave Soderquist, Torspo Hockey International, Inc CEO.
Smith will operate from his office in New York City, New York. The company has additional offices in Germany and Russia.
Torspo Hockey International designs and manufactures its product as well as co-brands product. TORSPO and affiliated brands sell thirty seven hockey and skating products ranging from TORSPO hockey skates and hockey sticks, Ice Armor youth and adult player hockey protective equipment, TORSPO accessories to K2 fitness ice skates, which the Company manufacturers under an exclusive license.
The company has entered into a Global Marketing agreement with the Continental Hockey League (KHL) which gives Torspo the right to manufacture and market KHL and KHL team branded merchandise worldwide
