Lloydminster local hockey player, Ty Smith has signed an entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. On Monday, the Devils organization announced the signing on their website stating the deal to be for three years.
“It’s a first step to playing and living my dream,” says Smith. “There’s lots more work to do and lot’s more improving for me to do in order to play, but it’s the first thing and it’s a goal of mine that I’ve wanted to try and accomplish.”
The defenseman was a first-round pick for the team in the 2018 NHL draft, selected 17th overall. The 18-year old completed his second season with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs in 2018 scoring 14 goals and 59 assists. Smith says he expects to be playing with the Chiefs for the upcoming season to develop his skills before hitting the big leagues.
“Right now I’m in Spokane. I’ll take part in their camp and then play some preseason games with them. Then head out to New Jersey on September 4 and play in a rookie tournament there and go from there.”
Smith has numerous accolades to his name including a silver medal with Team Canada at the U17 WHC in 2017. Before that Smith spent 2015-2016 with the Lloydminster Midget AAA helping the Bobcats win the AMHL championship.
The blue-liner joins Washington Capital’s goaltender Braden Holtby as players who have made the NHL from the Lloydminster area.