Walleye add power forward in Hunter Smith

Forward Hunter Smith has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2018-19 season.Smith joins Toledo after being released from the AHL camp of the Colorado Eagles. The native of Windsor, Ontario spent last season in Kansas City where in 35 games he scored nine goals with eight assists and 47 penalty minutes. Smith spent the previous two years with Stockton of the AHL where the 23-year-old skated in 88 contests for the Heat with five goals, 14 assists, 124 penalty minutes and a plus 10.The former second round pick (54th overall) by Calgary in the 2014 NHL draft, appeared in 166 career OHL contests from 2011 through 2015. In those contests, Smith scored 40 goals while collecting 91 assists and 263 penalty minutes. The 6’7”, 225 pound forward posted career best numbers in 2014-15 with Oshawa in which he scored 23 times with 26 assists for 49 points in 57 contests. The year he also added another 18 points (9G, 9A) in 21 playoff contests as part of the Generals team that won the Memorial Cup.

GET TO KNOW HUNTER

Q: Who was your favorite player growing up?

A: It was Sidney Crosby. I followed him when he was with Canada in the World Juniors, and when he got to Pittsburgh that was the team I started following. He's not a big guy, but he's so good down low and at protecting pucks he can beat bigger guys.

Q: What do you like to do during the season away from the rink?

A: I like hanging out with the guys. I'm a big Walleye fisherman, being from Windsor. We'll see how it goes, hopefully get some fishing in during the season.

Q: What's your go-to food?

A: A nice chicken parmesan and some pasta, that's a good choice for me.

Q: What did you do during the off-season?

A: My buddies and I went out to Palm Springs for a golf trip and I went to some concerts. I also went up north into Ontario for a few weeks away from the gym.

Q: Any pets?

A: No pets, but I'll get a dog when I settle down.

Q: Why are you excited about coming to Toledo?

A: When I spoke with Dan he said Toledo has a great fan base and the facility is top notch. That was a bg drawing point. Being from Windsor it's a good opportunity to play close to home for family to come down.