Canes trade Meneghin to Tigers for 19-year-old forward

By Lethbridge Herald on October 8, 2024.

Justin Seward
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

The Lethbridge Hurricanes made a splash on the trade front on Saturday when they traded 20-year-old goalie Harrison Meneghin to the Medicine Hat Tigers for 19-year-old forward Shane Smith.

“It was more about the position part of the trade and because of his play, he gave us an asset that we could do something with,” said Peter Anholt, Canes GM, on trading Meneghin.

“And not only that, but how Smitty’s played. Brady Smith, I think, has been a real big part of this too. So I think all-in-all we’re really proud of Harry and want to wish him all the best.”

Meneghin went undrafted in the WHL Draft and was signed by the Hurricanes in 2021.

His totals in a Canes uniform included aa 46-33-7-2 record in 91 regular season games while sporting a 2.72 goals against average, a .913 save percentage and had four shutouts.

Meneghin’s best season between the pipes came last year when he posted 27 wins in 53 games.

The South Surrey, B.C. product was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

He was the Canes MVP, the Central Division goaltender of the year and a First Team All-Star last season.

In Smith, the Canes are getting a 19-year-old forward who accomplished a career high in points last season with 51 (29g-22a) in 64 regular season games and added two assists in five post season games.

“Shane’s one of these players I think when (you) play against him, he always catches your eye,” said Anholt.

“He plays the right way, he plays hard, he plays inside, he can score, he can make a play, he’s got real good hockey sense.”

Anholt sees him being in the top six and can play all forward positions.

Smith was shocked at first to learn he was traded to this end of the Highway 3 rivalry.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity and a lot of fun,” said Smith.

“The guys here are really nice. So I’m excited to get started for sure.”

Smith agreed it will be a fresh start for himself.

“I spent a long time in Medicine Hat,” he said.

“So it’ll be cool and definitely nice to kind of have a fresh start here in a new organization for sure.”

Smith has amassed 85 points (48g-37a) in 143 WHL games. 

He attended Vegas Golden Knights rookie camp in September, was an assistant captain for the Tigers and was a finalist for the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year Award last season.

With Meneghin’s departure, the Canes are now down to the required three overagers of Brayden Edwards, Hayden Pakkala and Logan McCutcheon.