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The Vancouver Canucks drafted Alberta born Tim Smith in the ninth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.  The shift playmaking center recorded over 90 points in each of his last two seasons in the WHL playing for both Spokane and Swift Current.  Currently in his second season with Vancouver’s ECHL affiliate squad in Columbia, South Carolina, Smith is chomping at the bit to gain the attention of those who will call him up to the next level of professional hockey.

The Columbia Inferno are in the upper third in ECHL standings and appear to be playoff bound once again.  Led by Smith, the Inferno have a handful of players who have either AHL or NHL experience, sometimes both.

Coming off an exciting 4-3 OT victory over the Florida Everblades, Hockey’s Future had the chance to speak with the Vancouver prospect.

HF: Rochfort Bridge, Alberta is a tiny town about an hour NW of Edmonton.  Where did you actually play as a kid growing up?

TS:  I played in Mayerthorpe actually [about 7km/3.5M away].  I grew up playing there and then I played Bantam in Spruce Grove which was my first year moving away from home. 

HF:  Was there an outdoor community rink near Rochfort Bridge for you to play on?

TS:  No, the nearest rink was in Mayerthorpe.  Our team would consist of the ten kids who actually signed up (laughs).  We’d be playing against Edson, Hinton, Whitecourt, Barrhead and some of those bigger towns and we’d always hold our own which was good. 

      HF: Now you’re playing in South Carolina, is there a bit of culture shock there?

TS:  Yeah it was a little bit different.  You have to get used to the ice because it isn’t obviously quite as good.  I knew I had a chance to play in the ECHL after the contract I signed and I’m happy with the way things have gone and I like it down here.

HF:  What are the fan turnouts like typically?

TS:  We get around 4000-6000 so it’s decent.  I played Junior in Spokane and Swift Current and I compare it almost exactly the same for fans.

HF:  Because you play in a place that isn’t known as a hockey hotbed, do players have anonymity or are you recognized a lot?

TS:  It all depends on what circle you’re in.  If you go to a function or something with the team obviously you’re going to be known but I wouldn’t say it’s comparable to if you were up in Canada.  Up there you’re going to be better known but this is nice sometimes too.

HF:  What are some of the things players do after games in South Carolina?

TS:  We have our local hangouts where we like to go to and guys golf a lot which is really good to take advantage of year round (today it’s 66 F).  We take advantage of the pool too when it gets to spring, playing football around the pool, and we have some great times.

HF:  Since arriving in Columbia, what has been your best, or most eye-opening experience as a player?

TS:  I think just learning how to play against men.  From playing in Junior where it’s a lot younger, you come here and learn how to be a professional and prove yourself against other players who have been to the AHL or the NHL.  You hope the people up above will take notice of what you are doing and give you a shot.

HF:  It would be a stretch for the [former] “East Coast” League but it’s too bad there isn’t a franchise in Canada so you could be a little closer to home.

TS:  Yeah but I guess they’re going to Victoria next year.  Honestly though I’m hoping this is going to be my last year in this league.  I want to get up there and play for the (Manitoba) Moose or any AHL team that will take me. 

HF:  Being the top scorer on the Columbus Inferno, what’s kept you from being called up to Manitoba in your opinion?

TS:  At this point I’m honestly not sure.  They’ve made a few call ups and in my heart I’m hoping they’re just waiting for a centermen to go down but I’m really not too sure.  I’m just trying to play my game and I just figure that if I keep putting up the numbers eventually they won’t be able to hold me back.  I think maybe they’re waiting for me to step up and give me that right opportunity because I feel I had a good year here last year too.  I’m just hoping they’re waiting for the right opportunity to give me the ice time up there that I need so I can show them what I can do.

HF:  Is it tough seeing fellow prospects Brandon Nolan, Jesse Schultz, and Alexandre Burrows being called up ahead of you?

TS:  Exactly.  The guys on my team that I’ve been playing with have been called up and it’s discouraging to see other guys go up.  I’m confident in my game and I know I can play with all those guys so I feel that if I get my opportunity I’ll be able to show them how I can play.

HF:  Who are your linemates with the Columbia Inferno?

TS:  I’m playing with Barrie Moore and Robin Carruthers.  Barrie Moore actually played for the Oilers a little.  He’s a great player and just a good guy so I can learn a lot from him.  Carruthers is a guy out of college but he’s turned into a really good East Coast player and he gets a lot of points.

HF:  I believe the Oilers got Moore in when they traded Miro Satan to Buffalo.

TS:  Yeah, Satan for Craig Miller and Barrie Moore.

HF:  The Inferno has a poll running on its website right now asking which player has made the most impact on the team this season and you’re currently heads above the field.  How do you feel you’re making an impact this year?

TS:  Oh really!  I just know that the coach is using me as the number one center and I’ve got to go out there and play against every other team’s top D-men.  I’m a smaller player but I use my speed and just try to be good defensively but when push comes to shove I want to be the guy to put the puck in the net or distribute to somebody who can.

HF:  Like you said, you’re not a big guy so what do you do to compensate in a sport where bigger guys have become the norm?

TS:  Basically I try to rely on quickness and that “Canadian head on my shoulders” to always be looking around and making plays.  I consider myself more of a passer and distributor so I try to use my wingers and be in a support role for everybody on the ice. 

HF:  Players are often categorized as being scorers, two-way forwards, or power forwards… what would you classify your style as being?

TS:  I would say I’m a playmaker.  If I get 20-25 goals I’m happy but I’m looking for 50-60 assists every year. 

HF:  Anybody who’s not in the NHL is always compared to someone who is.  Who have you drawn comparisons to?

TS:  I play a little bit like Darcy Tucker, I get a lot of penalty minutes, but maybe like Cliff Ronning too but I want to play with a little bit more of an edge.

HF:  This is your second season in the ECHL, are you satisfied with your development?

TS:  I feel like last year I worked really hard and I had 59 points.  This year I feel like I could get like 70-80 so I think that my development is still going.  Now I’m just looking for that opportunity to move up and show what I can do in the American League and put up number there.

HF:  Who has been your best influence on your hockey career thus far?

TS:  Definitely it has been my brother.  [Buddy] was the MVP of the ECHL last year and now plays pro in Germany.  Just from growing up and playing pond hockey and everything he’s taught me, he’s got to be biggest influence for sure.

HF:  Of all the linemates you've ever had, who have you enjoyed playing with the most?

TS:  I liked playing with Dwayne Ulmer, Duncan Milroy, right now Barrie Moore.  I’ve had some really good linemates.  Anybody who can put the puck in the net, I like to feed’em so hopefully they’ll bury the goals!

HF:  How closely do you follow the Canucks and the Moose throughout the year?

TS:  The Canucks not so much because it seems like a little bit farther of a goal right now, but the Moose I notice if they’re struggling or whatever.  You don’t want them to struggle but at the same time you want them to need you.  You want them to do well because hopefully that will be your team soon enough but it’s hard, it really is.

HF:  What would you consider to be a successful year for yourself personally?

TS:  If I end up playing in the ECHL all year I just hope we can get back to the final.  For myself I hope I lead the team in scoring and be an impact player in this league and just to let the AHL teams know that I’m going to be ready next year and hopefully I get a chance.