It took the better part of the season, but the Bombers finally have a captain. The team's prestigious “C” has been bestowed on forward Zak Smith.
Smith, a 20-year-old winger originally from Austin, Man., joined the Bombers early in the season after a trade with the MJHL’s Neepawa Titans. Before heading north, Smith was a core member of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, where he played parts of four seasons.
In Red Deer, Smith tallied 53 points in 163 total games, earning himself an assistant captain’s “A” last season during the team’s shortened bubble season.
“I’m very honoured to be named captain of this organization. Flin Flon has a lot of history in the hockey world and it’s exciting that I can be a part of it. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for believing that I can lead this team,” said Smith.
This year, in his final year of junior eligibility, the 6-foot-3, 190 pound forward has been the total package for the Bombers. So far this year, Smith is the only Bomber (along with Jaeden Mercier) to score at over a point-per-game pace this season, putting up 33 points in 32 games, putting him fourth in team scoring just behind Xavier Lapointe, Jeremi Tremblay (both with 35 points) and Jaxon Martens (34 points).
“Zak has been a great leader for us since acquiring him early in the season. He plays the game the way we want our entire team to play,” said Bombers head coach and general manager Mike Reagan.
“He’s an honest player that brings it every night. He’s a guy that a lot of our younger players look up to and he has the respect from the entire staff and all of his teammates.”
In five games since the Bombers came back from holiday break, Smith has two goals and two assists. Smith missed the Bombers’ two games against Melfort last week, but returned for the Bombers' games last weekend.
Away from the puck, Smith is also, according to the team, one of the Bombers’ leaders in shot blocks and has played a physical game while avoiding the penalty box - in 30 games, Smith has only been penalized four times.
