Draft pick knows hard work is ahead
Memorial Cup winner Hunter Smith signs entry- level deal with Calgary
With a brand new NHL contract in hand, Hunter Smith had already begun planning his first order of business.
Finally buying his jeep from his parents.
And his second order of business?
Preparing for next week’s Calgary Flames development camp.
“I want to leave the coaches and the executive staff with a good taste in their mouths,” said the well- spoken right winger who on Thursday, inked an entry- level contract with the team that drafted him 54th overall last summer. “Maybe I’ll be able to make main camp if it progresses over the next eight weeks and I could come in and challenge for a spot. I want to be looked at as a hard worker, someone who is willing to work and getting that call one day.”
On May 31, the Flames smiled with pride as Smith hoisted the Memorial Cup along with his Oshawa Generals pals.
One month later — almost to the day — he was handing over a signed copy of an agreement with Calgary for his dad Lyle to fax from his office, the National Bank, in Windsor, Ont.
So, as one could imagine, the last few weeks have been cause for celebration while Smith has a newfound level of confidence.
However, the 6- foot- 6, 210- pounder insists the work has only just begun.
“You feel a lot better about yourself. But you can’t get too high,” said Smith who scored nine goals and 18 points in 21 post- season contests this year. "You have to stay even keeled and you have to perform in camp. You’re not kidding around — you’re here to play hockey and you’re not just happy signing a contract. I know there’s a lot of work to be done.
Smith turns 20 Sept. 11 and, after four seasons and 166 regular season games in the Ontario Hockey League ( three with the Generals) he appears ready to move onto the professional level. But his first task begins Sunday. “Obviously it’s a big summer for me,” Smith said. “But I’m still going to make progress in my game and hopefully make that transition into the pros next year.”