Former Flin Flon Bombers star Alex Smith has impressed as a rookie at Michigan Tech.
Through 21 games, he had four goals and 11 points.
When asked about his success, Smith attributed it to the opportunity that he has been given with the Huskies, who compete at the NCAA Division I level.
“I’ve been put in a good spot and play with some really good players,” he said. “I think being an older player helped and playing four years of junior really prepared me for how you’re going to have to play at this level and the little details it takes to be successful every night.”
Last year Smith was the 2016 RBC Player of the Year in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and helped the Bombers make it all the way to the league finals. However, Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson said you never know how players will do.
“Everybody’s on a different time frame,” the coach said. “Some players come and are ready to play, and Alex has really taken advantage of being in the lineup early in the season.”
Pearson said that the key to Alex’s season so far is his ability to step in and contribute both offensively and defensively.
“He’s been consistent and plays a good all-around game. He’s been real good on face-offs. With the way our system works we rely a lot on our centres in the defensive zone and he’s been a guy we can really rely on in those situations.”
Smith said that the biggest adjustment has been the faster game and the size and strength of the players. He has been surprised by the quality of players and depth in each lineup.
“There are four lines on each team of players that can really play,” Smith said. “Everyone brings a different thing to the game. You’re playing with players that see the ice really well and bring out the best in you.”
At Michigan Tech, Smith is majoring in business administration. The institution is known formally as Michigan Technological University. It is located in Houghton, Mich. on the state’s upper peninsula. Pearson, the Huskies’ head coach, is the son of the late George “Mel” Pearson who grew up in Flin Flon and played for the Bombers. He had a 16-year pro career and later coached the Bombers.
Smith, an Edmonton product, played two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He competed the past two seasons for the Bombers. The best part of playing in Flin Flon?
“The fans,” Smith said. “The support you get from the community is unmatched in junior hockey in Canada. Just the fans and atmosphere at the games were unbelievable.”
Also a rookie forward on the Michigan Tech team is former Bomber Erik Pedersen. Issues, including an injury, have kept Peder-sen out of action so far.
“He just needs to be stay patient for his opportunity,” Pearson said. “I like his skill, speed, and offensive creativity. When he gets the opportunity he needs to take advantage because he will get an opportunity. He’s worked extremely hard in practice to keep himself involved.”
Pedersen is from Airdrie, Alta. He spent parts of the 2013-14 and 2014-15 season with the Bombers. Pedersen also saw time with three different AJHL squads.
