Ladislav Smid, left, returned to Edmonton after a minor knee injury. (David W. Cerny, Reuters)
EDMONTON - Edmonton Oiler Ladislav Smid enjoyed his time in the Czech Republic.
But like most National Hockey League players, the Oilers' defenceman is hoping he won’t have to return to Europe in the coming weeks.
Smid is back in Edmonton having spent the first part of the season with Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Tipsport Extraliga.
“It was good, I got lots of ice time, I was playing in all situations, including on the power play, which was kind of unusual for me,” said Smid. “But I enjoyed it. The hockey is so much different, especially defensively.
“The systems are different, the rink is bigger. But it was a cool experience for me.”
Smid, 26, suited up in 22 games for his hometown club. He left as the team’s second-leading scoring defenceman with two goals and 12 assists.
