Smith hopes off season training helps him with roster spot

By Lethbridge Herald on September 6, 2023.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Brady Smith watches the Lethbridge Hurricanes intrasquad game from the bench on Sunday at the Enmax Centre.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Goalie Brady Smith is challenging for a  roster spot in between the pipes for the Lethbridge Hurricanes this season.

The Canes 2020 draft pick got a couple of starts last season due to goalie injuries and took those experiences and build on them during the summer.

“Yeah, I got to play against Kelowna and Calgary last year,” said Smith.

“It was pretty good. I mean (I) let in a couple goals. But at the end of the day just kind of showed me what the league’s about, how fast it is, the pace and everything. So I really went into this summer training, trying to get faster, eyes, everything  just down towards the puck, being able to follow it, and bringing into training camp, hopefully  preseason ,and then really take those things and hopefully crack the roster this season.”

His focus coming into camp was coming in and playing games, understanding everything and communicating.

“Really just stopping the puck and go into preseason and show them what I can do,” said Smith.

Smith was able to take advice from now graduated goaltender Bryan Thomson last year.

“Tommy was great,” said Smith.

“I mean love the guy. He really helped me when it came to speed, stick, talking, everything, he just gave me tips constantly. I’d ask and he’d answer. So it was pretty solid. I mean (I) couldn’t ask for anything more from him and I’ll take everything he taught me and bring into the games here.”

Smith played last season with the Coquitlam Express of the British Columbia Hockey League when he was not called up.

“Yeah it was pretty solid,” said Smith.

“I mean there’s still some differentials of  the leagues. But everything’s still fast, good shots, good players and it did really help me make it up this next step and hopefully crack the roster, like I said.”  

Smith will look to rebound in the exhibition season as he  let in four goals on 16 shots in just under 30 minutes of work in the Canes 7-3 preseason opening loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday night.