Bryan Smolinski was a standout center for Michigan State University from 1989 to 1993. As a senior in the 1992-93 season, he was an exceptional offensive force, tallying 31 goals and 37 assists for 68 points, and was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. That same year, he earned First-Team All-American honors and was named to the All-CCHA First Team. He finished his collegiate career with 181 points in 158 games and was later inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as a member of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey team.

After his time at Michigan State, Smolinski was drafted by the Boston Bruins and went on to have a long and successful 17-season professional career in the NHL. He played in over 1,000 games with eight different teams, including the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Ottawa Senators. He was a reliable two-way forward, known for his gritty play and offensive contributions. He had his most productive season in 1995-96 with the Penguins, scoring a career-high 64 points. Smolinski also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Following his retirement from playing, he has stayed involved in hockey, serving as a regional director for the NHL’s “Learn to Play” program.