Ryan Smyth, born in Banff, Alberta, on February 21, 1976, was more than just a hockey player; he embodied the heart and soul of the Edmonton Oilers for a generation. Drafted sixth overall in 1994, Smyth entered the NHL during a transitional period for the Oilers, becoming an icon and one of the most significant Oilers of all time.

Smyth was known for his gritty, hard-working style of play, endearing himself to the Edmonton fanbase. He consistently produced offense, achieving a career-high 39 goals in the 1996–97 season and a career-high 70 points in 2000–01. He made his NHL debut in the 1994-95 season, playing three games. His first full NHL season was in 1996-97. For six seasons, he wore an "A" on his jersey as an alternate captain, demonstrating his leadership within the team.

Across 1,270 NHL games, with 971 played in Edmonton, Smyth accumulated 842 points, including 296 goals as an Oiler. He ranks among the franchise leaders in games played, goals, and power-play goals. Smyth's impact went beyond statistics. He exemplified grit, battling along the boards, enduring punishment in the crease, and blocking shots.

Smyth's dedication extended to the international stage, where he earned the nickname "Captain Canada". He represented Canada in numerous IIHF World Championships, winning gold medals in 2003 and 2004 and a silver medal in 2005. He captained the Canadian team at the World Championships six times. Smyth also won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. He holds the record for the most games played with the Canadian men's national ice hockey team, with 78 appearances.

After being traded away in 2007, Smyth played for the New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings before returning to Edmonton for the 2011–12 season. He finished his career with the Oilers, wearing the "C" in his final game. In recognition of his international career, Smyth was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2024. The following year, he was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.

Ryan Smyth retired on April 11, 2014, after 19 seasons in the NHL. He is currently one of the owners of the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints. For the Edmonton Oilers and their fans, Ryan Smyth was more than just a player; he was the embodiment of the team's spirit, a symbol of dedication, and the heart of the franchise.