By Sam Laskaris /
Ohio’s Miami University RedHawks will be getting a member of Toronto’s Smith family into their hockey lineup after all.
A couple of years ago, the RedHawks had offered a hockey scholarship to Brendan Smith. But the talented blueliner, who is now 19, opted to accept an offer instead from the University of Wisconsin Badgers, primarily because at the time of his commitment they were the defending NCAA champs.
Smith, who was also the Detroit Red Wings’ first-round pick (27th overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft, is now in his sophomore season with the Badgers.
As it turned out, Smith’s younger brother Reilly, a 17-year-old forward with the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the OJHL, was also recently offered a scholarship from Miami. He accepted the deal and will suit up for the Redhawks, starting with the 2009/10 campaign.
The Miami brass knew about the younger Smith since they had previously recruited his brother, a Buzzers’ graduate. And Reilly Smith was also well acquainted with the university based in Oxford, Ohio. That’s because three years earlier, he had participated in a Bantam hockey tournament in the town.
While in Oxford, Smith also received a tour of the university.
“I loved the place right away,” he said. “It’s basically driven by hockey. I knew then that’s where I wanted to go.”
Though their own busy hockey and school schedules prevent them from talking much during the season, the younger Smith still gets advice from his brother.
“He says it’s a lot faster game,” he said. “And he says, never be satisfied with how you’re playing but never get down on yourself.”
Reilly Smith is keen to follow a path similar to the one his brother has gone down.
“He’s one of my big role models,” he said of his brother. “I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.”
There’s talk that Reilly Smith could also become an NHL draftee this coming June.
Should one or both of them eventually move on to the NHL, neither Smith brother would become
the first family member to play a pro sport.
Their 21-year-old brother Rory, who also played hockey with the Buzzers from 2005 to 2008, is in his second season of playing with the New York Saints in the National Lacrosse League.
Before joining the Saints for his sophomore season, Rory Smith also appeared in a handful of minor pro hockey contests this year with the International Hockey League’s Port Huron Icehawks.
As for Reilly Smith, he’s been a leader with the Buzzers this season. He racked up 57 points (21G, 36A) in his first 40 games.
“Reilly has been one of our most consistent players from the get-go,” said Buzzers’ director of hockey operations Carmen Cogliano. “He’s taken the ball this year and he’s been running with it ever since.”
That’s a much different story from last year when Reilly Smith had difficulties earning ice time with the then veteran-laden Buzzers. He dressed for just 13 contests, earning nine points, including two goals.
“My coaches have given me a lot more opportunities [this season],” he said. “And they’ve had a lot more faith in me.” |