Giancarlo Nadeau
Ethan Smid grew up in Williams Lake, BC, and started skating at four. The small town has no more than 12,000 residents, but the people there are passionate about sports, especially hockey.
He prides himself on being a two-way player who works hard in his own zone. “Being responsible in the D-zone is a big part of my game,” he agreed.
Cheering for the Vancouver Canucks is something he has been doing for as long as he can remember, but the Montréal Canadiens were also a team that he followed closely.
One of the Canadiens’ best goaltenders in recent memory grew up just over three hours from where Smid has lived most of his early life. His name is Carey Price, and you should look him up if his name doesn’t stick out. Smid’s father used to be a youth pastor, and that’s where the relationship with Price began.
“I grew up knowing him. My Dad did his wedding, so I’ve been around him and his parents my whole life,” explained Smid.
Smid (5’8”, 170 pounds) spent the past two seasons in the CIJHL with the Williams Lake Stampeders. He suited up in 27 games and registered six goals and 16 assists.
He admits that going from midget tier 2 to U18 tier 2 to playing senior hockey was a significant change. “You’re playing against guys ten years older than you; they are much bigger and much more physical,” he said.
The transition to the Coastal Tsunami was seamless for the 2004-born forward, who played most of his hockey in his hometown and was already used to playing at higher levels.
Smid was connected to the Coastal Tsunami by Dale Hladun – the former head coach and GM of the Quesnel River Rush. “He introduced me to Brad, and the next thing you know, I was signed,” he said.
Smid came into the season already knowing one of the players, Ian Foster, who is one of the blueliners on the team. “He’s one of my little brother’s best friends, so I’ve known him my whole life,” he admitted.
The two had played on the same team, and Smid even coached Foster. “He was always listening, very respectful, and you knew you could count on him when you needed him,” he claimed.
Although he had never played a game in the PJHL before this campaign, Smid says, “You don’t notice a difference in speed, but the physicality is not as physical as I’m used to.”
It didn’t take long for those around him in the Tsunami organization to see Smid as a leader, and he had an ‘A’ on his jersey during the team’s home opener. “It’s huge to be an alternate captain for this team. We have a great group of guys, so it’s an honour to be a leader for them,” said Smid.
The right-shot over-ager is not a very loud player but leads by example and the belief that actions speak louder than words.
The home opening game is one he will remember for a very special reason.
With less than ten seconds remaining in the third period, Oliver Nottingham skated the puck into the zone along the near side of the ice and took a shot on goal; the puck was stopped by Panthers’ goaltender Ty Angus, but the rebound made its way onto Smid’s stick who put the puck across the goal line and in for the team’s first franchise hat trick. “I don’t remember much about that play except for being hugged by Nottingham at the end,” he said with a grin.
Occasionally, you may hear Smid referred to as “uncle” or “Uncle Smidy.” Smid believes that Oliver Nottingham came up with that nickname, which probably has something to do with his moustache!
Playing in front of the best fans in the PJHL, where the arena is always full, has been one of his favourite parts of being with Coastal. “You don’t get that on the road, so it’s an advantage for us. Teams are scared to play us at home, so it’s good.”
Don’t miss your chance to catch Uncle Smid and his Coastal Tsunami team in action this weekend at the GACC. The Delta Ice Hawks are headed to town for the first time in franchise history, and you can get your tickets at the arena or online.
