The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team has a new face of the program as Senior defenseman Jordan Smith was named the teams captain by head coach Joel Scherban at a media conference at the Lakehead University Hangar.
Smith is a two-time OUA All-Star and one-time CIS All-Canadian. He becomes the Thunderwolves fourth captain and the first defensemen to wear the C.
A political science student with eventual plans to become a teacher, Smith follows in the tracks of former captains Andrew Brown (2007-09), Jeff Richards (2006-07), and Scherban, the Wolves original on-ice leader (2001-06).
Coach Scherban says that Smiths dedication and overall contributions to the Wolves and to the Thunder Bay community make him the right fit to lead his hockey team.
"We are extremely happy to name Jordan Smith as the captain of the Thunderwolves hockey team for the upcoming season, Scherban said. Through speaking with returning players and coaches over the past few months it is clear that Jordan has earned everyones respect and confidence through his continuous demonstration of leadership both on and off the ice."
Jordan Smiths hockey career has followed an unlikely path since his days with his hometown Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.
Drafted 39th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Smith progressed to the teams AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates for the 2005-06 season. There, a deflected puck literally veered Smiths life in a completely different direction.
Stuck by a slap shot, Smiths left eye was severely lacerated during a game with the Manchester Monarchs. Surgeons could not save the eye, and the Smith now wears a prosthetic.
Eight months after the incident, former Wolves head coach Pete Belliveau travelled to the Soo and talked with Smith about coming to Lakehead. He became a mid-season addition to the Lakehead roster in January 2007 and made an immediate impact.
In his first full season with the Wolves, Smith imposed his physical will on several unlucky opponents, earning CIS All-Canadian and OUA All-Star first-team honours while scoring 6 goals, 17 assists for 23 points in 42 games.
He was an assistant captain in 2008-09, and earned OUA second team All-Star honours despite missing time due to injury. The Hockey News also recognized Smith as the hardest hitter in the CIS.
This season will mark Smiths first as a captain of any team. He spent two seasons wearing an A with the Greyhounds.
Its a special feeling to know that your coaches and teammates have trust in you and confidence that you can lead the team to a National Championship, Smith said.
Smith has two years of eligibility left to lead a Thunderwolves team that will host the CIS Cavendish University Cup this March.