Flin Flon Bombers standout forward Alex Smith will be a Husky next winter.
The 20-year-old from Edmonton has committed to play for the Michigan Tech Huskies. The team competes at the NCAA Division I level, the highest in American university ranks, and plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association conference.
Michigan Tech offered Smith a full-ride scholarship.
“Michigan Tech made an unbelievable offer that I couldn’t say no to,” said Smith, who plans to study business. “They also have a great hockey program that develops players and moves them onto pro hockey.”
Smith said he is looking forward to the experience of playing at the next level.
“They sell out every night and the college hockey atmosphere is something that I’m excited for,” he said.
Bombers head coach Mike Reagan said the organization is very proud of Smith.
“He’s worked hard and believed in our organization to help him get his scholarship,” Reagan said. “We pride ourselves on moving players on to the next level. We feel very confident that this is just the first of a few others getting the same opportunity.”
Smith appreciates what being a Bomber has done for him.
“Playing for the Bombers and getting the opportunity I did from Mike is a major reason this was possible,” he said. “Without the opportunity I got from him none of this would have been possible. Playing with linemates like I do also made this possible. I can’t thank the Bombers organization enough.”
Smith and linemates Brandon Switzer and Joel Kocur are all in the top 10 in the SJHL in scoring.
Smith leads the league with 69 points, 25 goals and 44 assists, as of Jan. 26. He is also counted on as a key penalty killer, to win face-offs, and to be a leader. He is assistant captain of the Bombers this season.
Michigan Tech is formally known as Michigan Technological University. It is located in Houghton, Mich. The Huskies have won three NCAA championships and appeared in the NCAA tournament last season. As of Jan. 26, the squad was third in the WCHA with a 10-6-2 record. Forty-five Huskies have gone on to the NHL.
The team is coached by Mel Pearson, whose father, the late George “Mel” Pearson, suited up for the Bombers. The elder Mel, who grew up in Flin Flon, played for his hometown in 1954-1957, according to hockeydb.com. He then embarked on a 16-year pro career that included 38 games in the NHL and 70 in the World Hockey Association. He also coached the Bombers.
