Smithers Hockey Pipeline

By Kelly Sharp

Blue Jerseyed Smithers Storm at Prince George Tourney

The black with blue trim jackets quickly identified the cheering section at the Prince George Coliseum. The Smithers midget double-A hockey team was supporting former teammates and friends skating for the Prince George Spruce Kings. Seventeen year-old Darcy Huisman, who began his season as a high scoring forward for the Smithers minor hockey team, played defense for the Junior A hockey club. Eighteen year-old forward Zach Davies, who skated for the Smithers midgets last season, is in his first year as a member of the Spruce Kings. Huisman’s cousin, nineteen year-old Ryan de Vries of Smithers, anchors the Kings defense. Randall Groot, a late cut of the WHL Prince George Cougars, is another former Smthers teammate and current forward for the BC major midget Cariboo Cougars.

When it comes to producing hockey talent, the Town of Smithers is Northern BC’s answer to Trail.  The most recent NHler to come through a minor hockey program of 260 players wears number two for the Nashville Predators. Dan Hamhuis is into his third season on the Predators blueline. The 23 year-old Hamhuis can trace the Smithers NHL connection to the Watson brothers, Joe and Jim plus Ron Flockhart who combined for over 1800 games played in the National Hockey League.

Long-time minor hockey coach, Don Pederson , applauds Smithers minor hockey for laying a strong foundation to develop hockey skills.

“Minor hockey developed strong guidelines, from evaluation to behavior to making sure house and rep teams are treated equally,” Pederson said.

Competition is encouraged at an early age through the Omenica House League. House teams travel to nearby towns to face-off against each other.

Minor hockey players have their fare share of role models who return to Smithers each summer.

 “Success breeds success,” Pederson said.  He added players see that it is possible to achieve their goals and not lose that respect nurtured while growing up in a small community.

 Seventeen year-old Brad Goss of Smithers, praised the knowledgeable coaches who have served years helping the minor hockey player in the Bulkley Valley community.

Goss coach, Don Pederson, watches the Smithers Storm rally to earn a tie on the ice. This March Pederson is hoping to guide the Storm to a second consecutive BC midget double-A hockey championship.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us