Smith embracing, and excelling in, defensive forward role
By DANNY RODE
Evan Smith is exactly the type of player a team needs for success.
The 18-year-old native of Kamloops gives the Red Deer Rebels a solid defensive-minded forward, who kills penalties and can also chip in on the offensive side.
“I see myself as a solid 200-foot player,” said the six-foot-one, 180-pound Smith, who is in his second season with the WHL squad.
He certainly has impressed head coach Dave Struch.
“He goes about his business day-to-day … when he’s around the rink he’s very professional.
“He doesn’t always get the most minutes in a game, but he does get quality minutes. He’s a good penalty killer … very reliable in every position.”
Smith even played some defence last year when called upon following a rash of injuries.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever played there,” he said. “But I’m a bit of a defensive player, so maybe the coaches saw something in that and wanted to try something.”
He was more than just a throw in on the blue line. He played admirably.
“That’s who I am as a player. I’m aware of my positioning,” he said. “I didn’t mind it, but I like playing forward and it’s good to have that as a back up.”
Evan was playing on the back end when Struch took over as head coach last March.
“He’s very capable of playing in any position in our lineup, even defence,” Struch said. “We’re very fortunate to have a person of is quality and obviously of his versatility to help us along the way.”
The Rebels selected Smith in the fifth round, 95th overall, in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. He was picked after playing only five games that season with the Yale Hockey Academy U15 AAA squad.
‘I broke my wrist that year and was out four months,” he explained. “I didn’t play many games, but I did have good stats (three goals and three assists).”
The injury affected his draft status.
“It did affect it but I was pretty lucky to be drafted here,” he said. “I was seen by the right people and I’m grateful.”
There was a time the year prior to joining the Rebels when Smith had a decision to make.
After playing one game in the 2021-22 season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL he had some thoughts about rejoining them.
“I had a choice between the two, but I just liked the professionalism of the WHL and the guaranteed schooling,” he said.
He played the 2022-23 season with the Yale U18 Prep program where he had 10 goals and 22 assists in 32 games.
Last year he joined the Rebels full-time, scoring three times in 57 games. He netted his first goal of the current season Wednesday in Calgary and has points in two-straight.
“I learned a lot last year,” he continued. “I was in a defensive role as a forward. I can use that this year and hope to step it up and be more of an impact player.”
He liked how he’s being used this year, playing mainly with a pair of rookies, and also killing penalties.
“I’ve been with (Cohen) Poulin, (Steven) Steranka and lately (Beckett) Hamilton. It’s been good and we’ve clicking now.
“I guess I’m the older one of the group,” he said with a laugh, “but it’s fun being around those kids. They have a lot of skill.
“I have been killing penalties this year a lot more and hopefully I can stay there and just keep working.”
The Rebels will need that line clicking as they head out late Wednesday for a six-game-in-nine-day road trip through the U.S. Division.
The Rebels have a tough opening five days, playing four games – Friday in Wenatchee, Saturday in Tri-City, Monday in Everett and Tuesday in Seattle. They have two days off before facing Portland on Friday the 15th and Spokane on the 16th.
“The start is tough. There’s lots of hockey and that’s why we’re here … we’ll be up for the challenge,” said Smith. “I know we’re looking forward to it.
“It was fun last year going through the B.C. Division and the guys who have been here say the U.S. trip is even better.
“It will be fun to be in the hotels and close to everyone.”
Struch agrees and feels the team just needs to get off to a good start.
“We’d like to get some wins off the bat and build on what we’re done so far this season,” he said. “It’s important to play consistent and to our identity.
“I know the guys are looking forward to the trip and it’s an exciting time to get out with the team bonding, team building all that kind of stuff that goes with it. No matter how you look at it it’s a special time of year for a junior hockey player.”
For Smith it will be his first trip across the border with the Rebels. If things work out he could make one more in a potential overage season.
After that he’ll see how things go.
“Hopefully I can play professionally, but you never know, and I know school is another good option. That’s why there’s the guaranteed schooling.”
The Rebels will have a week off after returning from the American excursion before hosting the Victoria Royals Nov. 23 at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
