The Greater Sudbury Cubs are pleased to announce that local forward OLIVER SMITH has signed on with the Cubs this season. Smith, 19, was drafted and played for the Barrie Colts of the OHL last season, and scored 10 goals and added 9 assists in 55 games. Smith was expected to return to the Colts this season, but made the decision in early August to continue his education and junior hockey career in his hometown of Sudbury.
“We are absolutely ecstatic to have Oliver return to the NOJHL this season” notes Cubs Managing Director Blaine Smith. “Oliver played for us three seasons ago as a 16-year-old and he was instrumental in leading our Rayside Balfour Canadians to a West Division championship! When Oliver’s agent called us in early August, we were overwhelmed to know that Oliver had made his own decision to play for the Cubs and wants to do his best to help us win a championship for our franchise and Greater Sudbury hockey fans!”
“I remember coaching against Oliver three years ago and we watched him dominate the league as a 16-year-old” notes GM/Associate Coach Dave Clancy. “To add a veteran forward with Oliver’s skill set is such a big boost for our club as it raises the excitement level for our team’s expectations this season.” Smith scored 28 goals in his first NOJHL season (2019-20) with the Canadians in 54 league games.
“I had the pleasure of welcoming Oliver a few weeks ago and I can tell that he wants to be the leader that we need in our dressing room and on the ice” notes Cubs Head Coach Darryl Moxam. “If we can continue to make the Cubs a viable alternative for OHL-calibre players like Oliver, then I know that we can really put the Sudbury Cubs on the international map as far as Jr. A hockey is concerned.
“I’m really excited to play hockey for the Cubs in my hometown” notes Oliver Smith. “I love being at home in Sudbury surrounded by family and friends. This opportunity is giving me a chance to pursue a post secondary education while still being able to play hockey at a high level. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do both. I am also thrilled to have coach Moxam behind the bench. He has lots of experience and knows what it takes to win a championship. I am really looking forward to getting started and know we have an awesome group of people in the organization that will achieve great things this year.”
Oliver Smith and his teammates will open the 2022-23 NOJHL season on Thursday night when they host the Powassan Voodoos at the Countryside Arena at 7:05 pm. The Cubs are back at it Friday night when they host the Hearst Lumberjacks at 7:05 at Countryside.
Tickets are available at the door for both home games! Family passes are $30 for two adults and all youngsters in each family. #wearefamily
