“It’s good to be back”: Former Blazer Smith returns to Kamloops following trade

Since the trade, Smith has been more than productive, scoring 12 goals in 19 games with the Chiefs. The 20-year-old centre scored six goals during a recent five-game goal streak, starting the run with a goal against the Blazers in a 4-1 win on Jan. 4. He also notched two against the B.C. Division-leading Vancouver Giants last Friday.

“It’s been good. Obviously when you get traded from a team that’s not doing as good in the win column, it helps. It makes things a little easier,” noted Smith. “But we have a good locker room on this team. Right from day one, I was accepted and I was brought right into this family and relied on by the coach.”

Chiefs head coach Dan Lambert, not knowing what to expect from Smith following the Nov. 26 trade, has been pleasantly surprised.

“I don’t think we expected him to score at the pace he has, but he’s certainly done that,” noted the second-year Spokane coach. “He’s been a real nice complementary player. On the power play, he’s been real slid and five-on-five as well. We’ve used him everywhere — on the wing, in the middle — and he’s really just accepted the role that he’s been given and he’s done a good job for us.”

The Blazers got back Jeff Faith in the trade, another 20 year old who brings versatility, playing defense against his former team on Friday night. But Faith has recorded only one assists in 17 games in Kamloops.

But general manager Matt Bardsley doesn’t regret pulling the trigger and shipping Smith out.

“I still believe in the trade we made,” said the rookie GM. “Sometimes you just have to make changes. They’re not easy. You certainly know what you’re going to lose, but also know what you’re going to be gaining as well, even if it’s not points. It’s just something different within the team structure.”

Bardsley says the two draft picks from Spokane, a third and sixth rounder, was the key to the deal. Trading Smith has also meant more opportunities for younger players.

“I think players that were in and out of the line-up. Getting a player like Jersey Orchard, he’s been playing a lot more,” said Bardsley. “Guys just being more consistent. Sometimes it’s always tough when players and in and out of the line-up or maybe have a limited amount of [ice] time.”

For Smith, it’s special to be back where he spent parts of three seasons.

“I got to sit down and have a coffee with some of my old friends, old teammates. We’re still really good buddies,” Smith said. “I’m really looking forward to the game tonight.”

by Chad Klassen

“It’s good to be back”: Former Blazer Smith returns to Kamloops following trade

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