Danny Smith’s last year as a Sherwood Park Crusader has set him up for one final season of new challenges at the Junior A level.
As a third-year veteran forward, Smith is one of this year’s assistant captains for the Cru.
“I think it’s an honour,” he said of being able to bear the A “Being an older guy, the young guys look up to us and see kind of what the league’s about… so we just kind of help in showing them the way, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Crusader head coach and general manager Tim Fragle said Smith was a natural pick for the assistant captain position, and that many eyes are on him as he takes to the ice.
“We have high expectations of Danny Smith, as does he,” Fragle said. “He has the capability of being one of the best players in the league this year, and we’re hoping he does that, for sure.”
The 20-year-old has already proven himself to be a force, having already scored eight goals and managed 10 assists for 18 points — nearly a point a game, as the Cru are 11-7-1.
Last year saw Smith play in all 60 Crusader games, scoring 27 goals and helping out with 32 assists for a total of 59 points.
In a 60-game season, the run has only just started for the Cru, but Smith is already looking towards post-season play.