Smith to Team Canada for U18 World Championship

Published on April 5, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

Spokane Chiefs defenseman Ty Smith has been named to Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team for the upcoming 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship in Russia, as announced by Hockey Canada.

"The initial list of Canadians for the 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship contains a well-balanced group of players and strong foundation of international experience," said Brad McEwen, Hockey Canada's head scout. "Fans can expect a combination of skill, size, and speed when this year's team begins its quest to bring home a gold medal in Russia. The players and team staff are excited for the opportunity to once again represent Canada on the world stage."

Smith, 17, recently completed his second season with the Chiefs, posting 73 points (14 goals), good for second among all WHL defensemen. He tied for seventh among all players in plus/minus (+44) and ranked sixth in Spokane's franchise history for points in a season by a rearguard.

Ranked as a top prospect heading into this summer's 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Smith was named the Chiefs' Defenseman of the Year and Scholastic Player of the Year in their year-end awards ceremony. He was also recognized by the WHL as a First Team Western Conference All-Star.

Smith is one of six defensemen invited to Canada's U-18 team camp. The team will practice in Etobicoke, Ontario next week before flying to Russia for the tournament. They'll play two pre-tournament games before the official event, April 19-29 in Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk, Russia.

Canada has won seven medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship, including three gold (2003, 2008, 2013), one silver (2005), and three bronze (2012, 2014, 2015).

For more information, including Team Canada's full roster, visit HockeyCanada.ca.

Western Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2018

• Gardiner Named to ECHL All-Rookie Team - Kelowna Rockets
• Smith to Team Canada for U18 World Championship - Spokane Chiefs
• Hockey Canada Names Eight WHL Players to Training Camp Roster for 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship - WHL
• Three Blades Named to Canada' S U18 Team - Saskatoon Blades
• Fonstad Named to Canada's U18 Roster - Prince Albert Raiders
• Bowen Byram Named to Canada's Training Camp Roster for the World Under-18's in Russia - Vancouver Giants
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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