On the heels of signing their head coach and GM to another season, the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals have signed local 15-year-old forward Brodie Smith for the 2013-2014 season.
An Oceanside Minor Hockey product, Smith played last season for the South Island Royals of the B.C. Major Midget League.
The 5’9,” 155 pound forward compiled seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 35 games.
“We are very excited that Brodie has decided to play for the Generals next season,” said Gens’ bench boss Brent Demerais. “We have gotten to know him well this (past) season, as he has played as an affiliate player for us and we had a chance to watch him play for the Royals.”
“He is a highly-skilled player, who competes hard every shift. He plays a complete game and has an extremely bright future in the VIJHL and beyond,” said Demerais. “Brodie is a gifted young man who sees the ice really well, has a BCHL-calibre skating stride and shot (and) he is going to fit very well into the culture we have here. We are very proud to add another young local player to our fold…we’re thrilled to have him on the team.”
Heading into his Grade 10 year at BSS, Smith has returned home after two years going to school in Victoria; the first year playing Bantam Rep for Racquet Club then last season attending Lambrick Park Secondary School while playing Major Midget.
“It’s always good to come back to your home town,” he said when asked about his commitment to the Generals. “If I don’t end up making the higher levels it’s a good backup plan to come on and play with the older guys.”
Smith says his plan for next year is to try and get on with a junior A team “but if that doesn’t end up working out I’ll definitely come here and have a good solid season with the Generals.”
Smith lists the Chicago Blackhawks his favourite NHL team and Jarome Iginla and Jonathan Toews his favourite players.
The youngest of two — his older sister is in her senior year at BSS — Smith is also a listed (protected) player with the WHL Victoria Royals and will be attending their camp in August.
As for the obvious size transition awaiting young Mr. Smith next season, the prospect of playing against players bigger and faster doesn’t phase him.
“Not at all. I love that stuff…bring it on,” he said.
“It is a big jump but in Brodie’s case it just might be a case of you can’t hit what you can’t catch,” chuckled Demerais.
ICE CHIPS
The Oceanside Generals 2013 Prospects Camp goes June 7-9 at Oceanside Place. For more information on the camp and on the club go to generals.vijhl.com.
