Smith excited for battle with old club

By Lethbridge Herald on April 25, 2025.

SOUTHERN AlBERTA NEWSPAPERS PHOTO BY JAMES TUBB Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Shane Smith lines up for a face-off beside Medicine Hat Tigers forward Markus Ruck in the first period of Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Championship series Friday at Medicine Hat’s Co-op Place.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

It’s not often that you hear of players that are traded to one team in a season and then play them in a critical playoff series later on in the same campaign.

 Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Shane Smith is getting that opportunity to compete against  his former club, the  Medicine Hat Tigers, in the Eastern Conference Final  and  he can now say he’s been on both sides of the Highway 3 rivalry.

“Being on that side earlier this year, I would’ve never thought that this kind of situation would have happened but no I’m really excited to get there with this group,” said Smith.

Smith feels he has the motivation he needs.

“I guess a little extra something sweet definitely for sure with being on the other side and getting traded over here,” said Smith.

Smith talked about what the feeling will be like hitting the ice at Co-op Place for a playoff game.

“I think (I) got most of the nerves our early in the season when I played there (the) first couple of times,” said Smith.

“But like I’ve been saying just super excited to play my old team and have that chance, maybe get a little revenge on them.”

Smith was asked how he plans to make his presence felt against his old club.

“Not think too much into it, just play my game and be confident in what I have as a playoff player,” said Smith.

It will be Smith’s and many other of his teammates first time to the third round.

“Definitely very motivated and ready to go,” said Smith.

“We’re super excited and couldn’t be more ready to start Game 1.”

Smith will be playing the player he was traded for in goalie Harrison Meneghin.

“When we played each other this year  there’s been a lot of heated moments I guess per sae between Smitty and his former teammates ,as well as Harry  and his former teammates ,” said Matt Anholt, Canes associate head coach.

“I know Smitty’s gonna be excellent in this series. He gets up for all the big games and especially against his former club.”

Smith had five points in eight games against his old team in the regular season.

Meneghin

“I think it’s been unique anytime we play him,” said Anholt.

“There’s lots of guys on this team who are still really good friends with Harry, he’s an excellent kid, and he’s a great goaltender . It’s going to be a challenge because he’s one of the best goalies in the league for a reason.”

City support

Smith said it’s unreal to have the city support here.

“Hope to see that continue in the third round here and it  gives us definitely a little extra motivation knowing our city has our backs,” said Smith.