(Red Deer Rebels)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

signing on the dotted line

Rebels sign 16-year-old draft pick from Yale Prep

Apr 26, 2022 | 1:20 PM

The Red Deer Rebels have signed another of their recent draft picks to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.

Evan Smith, a right-shot forward from Kamloops, B.C. was drafted by the Rebels 98th overall (Round 5) in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft last December.

This past season, Smith played 14 games with Yale Hockey Academy’s U17 squad in Abbotsford, B.C., scoring six goals and adding 11 assists. He also had five points in 10 games with Yale’s U18 team.

“Evan is a two-way forward with size and a high IQ who contributes in all situations,” says Rebels Associate GM Shaun Sutter.

“He slipped in the draft due to an injury, but he has regained his form now that he’s healthy and finished the season strong at the recent Mac’s Tournament. Al Cyr, our B.C. Scout, had a personal connection to him which brought a lot of familiarity and belief in Evan as a player and person. He is going to be a quality player for us.”

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Smith shared his excitement with rdnewsNOW following the announcement.

“I was there recently to check out the facility and the team, and just fell in love with the place. The way everyone treated me, I felt like family, and I just knew I wanted to play here,” says Smith.

“When I watched the first playoff game, the fans were awesome and the place was electric. It means a lot to me because ever since I was seven, I watched my hometown Kamloops Blazers play and dreamt to be there one day.”

Smith describes himself as a 200-foot player who can play in a wide variety of situations.

“I have to keep working all off-season and summer to make the team and earn a spot,” he adds.

Smith also got one game in this past season with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks.