During the season, Smith earned a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell where he went 3-3-0 (1 shutout) with a 3.02GAA and .885 sv% percentage as a freshman. “It was a good experience, the coaches gave me an opportunity but I just don’t think it was the right fit” says Smith of the collegiate experience. “I’m excited to come back to Powell River, play out my eligibility at the Junior level for the Kings and work my way back to the NCAA.”
“Jeff covers the net very well. He’s a big goaltender who is capable of stealing games, which is what he did a couple of seasons ago” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “He knows what he’s coming into, he knows the team, he knows the league, he’s going to give us a chance to win every night and win right away.”
Smith will work with Kings goaltending coach Jeff Battah during the off-season and get ready for a 2nd and final year of Junior hockey. “I want to drop 5-10 pounds, get quicker, lighter” says Smith. “I’m excited for the chance to play. I’ve been keeping tabs on the team through guys like Keats and Luko and it’s going to be great to come back to Powell River, the town, the billets, everything.”
Smith will return to Powell River in August, ahead of main camp at the Hap Parker Arena towards the end of the month.
