Former Tylerite Lee Smith is helping win over hockey fans. Smith, who was the Tyler WildCatters' first general manager, now works for the Dallas Stars and is involved in promoting the sport as well as coming up with ideas to keep the fans interested during the two intermissions at the hockey games (It is difficult to get accustomed to three periods. Seems like you should have two halves or four periods.). "I REALLY LOVE my job," said Smith recently during the Stars' 3-3 tie with the Vancouver Canucks at Reunion Arena. "I miss Tyler and the people of Tyler. I love the people in Tyler and hope they have a great year ahead." Smith liked running a minor league team, but the opportunity to work for the Dallas Stars was a dream come true. Certainly working for one of the top organizations in hockey has its advantages. Smith said the team is drawing, well. The Stars are averaging 16,073 fans in the 16,928-seat arena. Last year, the Stars averaged 15,818. The fans are also becoming knowledgeable about the game, from the blue line to icing to hooking. For instance against the Canucks, the crowd cheered loudly when the Stars killed two Vancouver power play attempts. Although the excitement is building, Smith said the city and Texas will go nuts when the Stars make the Stanley Cup finals. She is counting on that happening this year.
