Ryan Smyth and Jaromir Jagr inducted into hall of fame

Announced late last night, Smyth is being inducted into the IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame alongside the legendary Jaromir Jagr. Smyth is known countrywide, and now recognized internationally for his accomplishments as Captain Canada in his career.

No other player in history has wore the captaincy for Canada as long as he had, and he has the success to boot. Smyth has won 5 gold medals across his international career, in the Olympics, World Chanpionships, World Juniors, and the World Cup. At the international level, Smyth's success may be unparalleled by any other player for some time.

There's also few players in NHL history who have developed such a close relationship with their fans and team like Ryan Smyth and the Oilers. The Banff, Alberta native was always incredibly vocal about his love for the city of Edmonton. After leading the Oilers to Game 7 of the Cup final in 2006, he and the Oilers were heartbroken to begin a rebuild process with his trade to New York in 2007. It was an emotional time, but thankfully he retired an Oiler.

To see Smyth gain this level of recognition at the international scale is incredible to see, and will truly warm the hearts of Oilers fans. Alongside another all-timer in Jarmoir Jagr, Smyth will finally take his rightful place and appreciation for his dominance of international hockey.