Comox Valley Glacier Kings goalie Matthias Smith will be moving up a notch when he hits the ice next season with the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Dauphin coaching staff was impressed when they watched the 18-year-old tend the pipes at the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) all-star game. Head coach Doug Hedley is “super excited to have Matthias play for him next season,” said Lou Gravel, who works in the North American Hockey League and who teaches at Isfeld Secondary, where Smith attends Grade 12.
“He’s a real bright light in a very tough season (for the Glacier Kings). They won just a handful of games.”
Along with the all-star game, Smith also played in the VIJHL prospects game. Despite the challenging season, he said playing with the Yetis was a great experience.
“The coaches and owners gave me every opportunity, and I am very thankful for that. As well, I really enjoyed being with my teammates. It was a great group of guys,” said Smith, a product of the Comox Valley Minor Hockey system. “I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play junior A hockey, and I think it is a good step toward college hockey.”
Before joining the Glacier Kings, Smith had gained some valuable experience when he played a season with the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs U16 AAA team, which competes in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League.
During his tenure this past season with the Yetis, he was an affiliate player for the Powell River Kings of the BCHL.
“Which keeps him a free agent to go anywhere else if he gets a contract offer,” Gravel said. “He’s a top-notch student, and a top-notch kid off the ice. It’s a real nice thing that’s happening to him.”