Griffins add more WHL experience, character with Beaumont product Smithies
Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Character is a buzz word when it comes to talking about the attributes of hockey players, but it's such an integral part of every successful team.
MacEwan men's hockey head coach Michael Ringrose – at the helm of two of the Griffins' three-straight ACAC Championships from 2017-19 – certainly takes that under strong consideration when recruiting athletes to the program.
With recollections of Tyler Smithies' character in mind from when he had him as a pupil at Vimy Ridge Academy a few years ago, Ringrose announced Friday that the Beaumont native is the latest addition to his growing 2021-22 Canada West recruiting class.
The 6-foot-1 centre has 138 games of the Western Hockey League experience split between in Moose Jaw and Swift Current from 2017-20. He is currently playing his overage season with the AJHL's Drayton Valley Thunder.
"He had 21 points in Swift Current last year and he's played in the WHL since he was 16, so he's definitely another huge add for our program," said Ringrose, on the heels of announcing the additions of WHL veterans Sean Comrie and Ryley Appelt.
"He's another guy with some size who puts himself in good spots all the time. In my opinion, he'll be able to step in and play an impact role for us right away."
Swift Current's Tyler Smithies splits the Calgary Hitmen defence during 2019-20 WHL action when he produced 21 points in 52 games (Ed Fonger/Swift Current Broncos).
Smithies, who rose up through the Leduc Oil Kings organization, is the type of player boasting a critical array of intangibles that drive team success.
"He has unbelievable character – he's mature beyond his years," said Ringrose. "He's the type of guy who can play on the wall or up the middle – in any role you give him. He's an extremely cerebral player. He has a very high hockey IQ – always puts himself in good spots and is very coachable.
"For us, adding that kind of Western League experience and adding a guy that's going to be able to step into our structure and understand how to play the right way is huge."
