By Glen Erickson /
There are many ways that you can generally recognize the 15- and 16-year-olds in the Western Hockey League, even without a program. The youngsters are the skaters wearing cages rather than visors, a reality for those who crack lineups in Junior hockey while still eligible to play Midget hockey.
Colin Smith of the Kamloops Blazers would be a forward who can relate to that comparison requirement, starting back with his initial foray into the WHL when he was called up at the end of the regular season. In fact, Smith stuck around and suited up for a few playoff games as well, scoring once during the post-season and playing a total of eight games as a 15-year-old when his Midget campaign in Edmonton was over. He was very excited to get the call from the Blazers.
“It was great because I felt like I got a lot of opportunities in those games with Kamloops,” Smith said. “I tried to make the most of it. We got swept in the playoffs but for me, it was a lot of experience that I’m glad I got to be part of.”
Prior to the current regular season, in a practice, Smith suffered a broken arm in what he referred to as a “freak play.” During a 2-on-1 drill, he collided with the goaltender and felt his arm “snap.” It was a setback that kept him out of game action until mid-November. Through 25 games so far this season, he has scored three goals and added 14 assists.
Smith checks in at 5-10 and 160 pounds. Only time will tell if there is a significant growth spurt in his future, but for now, he appears to play bigger than his physical stature. And even though the veteran mix in Kamloops at the beginning of the season has changed significantly, Smith does like what he sees.
“All the guys in the room have made me feel like part of the team,” Smith said. “I try to watch the older guys, like C.J. Stretch. He has a lot of skill and does things that not a lot of people can.
I try to look at him and see how he handles things out there.”
Smith will celebrate his 17th birthday during the upcoming off-season. In the meantime, he is focused on becoming an impact player in Kamloops. He understands the need for patience and learning, but also wants to develop quickly.
“You want to get good right now,” he said. “Sure, younger guys are expected to develop for the future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good 16- or 17-year-old season. I wanted to come in and contribute the best I can. If that’s scoring and getting points, then I think I can do that. If not, I’ll do whatever else the coaching staff asks of me.” |