Dallas Stars
Mike was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, in the 5th round 161st overall. The 2002-03 season was Mike's transition to the professional leagues. His first pro year he split between the Lexington Men O'War of the ECHL and the Utah Grizzlies of the AHL. He made his pro debut on October 26, 2002. In that game he had a shutout and scored an empty net goal! He holds the record of the youngest goalie to score in a professional game, at only 20 years old. The next year he returned to Utah, and once again was splitting backup duties, this time with Dan Ellis. For the 2004-05 season during the NHL lockout, Mike moved to play for the Houston Aeros, this time though he split starting duties with Josh Harding. He set his personal best in his minor league career with a GAA of 2.42. He posted a record of 19-17-3 along with a save percentage of .915. His final year in the minors was his best by far, he played for the Dallas Stars direct AHL affiliate the Iowa Stars. He again had to compete for starting duties, this time with Dan Ellis, but Mike ultimately won the starting job in the later stages of the season. He led his team to a playoff spot, but they lost in a hard fought 7 game series to the Milwaukee Admirals. During the regular season Smitty had a 25-19-6 record, with a 2.50 GAA and a .917 save percentage. His performance that season was mainly what secured his invite to Dallas Stars training camp for the 2006-07 season. Before training camp Mike had offseason surgery, but made a speedy recovery and won the backup job for the Stars. Smitty started off his first year in the big leagues living with Marty Turco's family, later he moved out and signed a $950,000 two year deal with Dallas. In his NHL debut on October 21, 2006, Smitty made 22 saves for a shutout, ironically against his current team the Phoenix Coyotes. During a game on January 4, 2007, Mike took a 100mph shot off the mask and missed a couple of weeks due to a concussion. This was the start of concussion problems that at different points in the past 5 years have caused him to miss some games, but he always bounced back. This was evident right off the bat as after he returned he won 2 come from behind games in which Turco was pulled. At the end of his first year in the NHL he had a solid 12-5-2 record with a 2.23 GAA and a .912 save percentage. On top of a great rookie year, he was named to the 2006-07 NHL All Rookie Team meaning he was voted the best rookie goalie in the league, a great honour. The first half of Mike's 2007-08 season was average, posting not as spectacular numbers as the year prior. This may have convinced Dallas to deal him, but it was quite early to deal a young goalie like Mike as was perceived by many. More or less, the Stars gave up on him and they dealt him on NHL Trade Deadline day 2008. During Smitty's time in Dallas, this was where he learned his puck handling skills from one of the greatest puck moving goalies ever in Marty Turco. More about this will be mentioned later.