Prospect Files: Gemel Smith

Last year’s Master Card Memorial Cup was a coming out party of sorts for this Owen Sound Attack sophomore centreman. This week we are going to get to know Gemel Smith’s game a little bit better…

NHL Draft Prospect: Gemel Smith – Owen Sound Attack

The Line:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 161 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: centre
Draft Eligible: 2010

Last year, on a veteran-laden team in Owen Sound, Smith struggled to see much real ice time. But, this season, the Toronto, Ontario product has been scoring at a point-per-game pace for the Attack, registering 30 points, in 31 games; 13 of them being goals.

This kind of breakout season does not come as a surprise to many who watched the Attack throughout the playoffs and in the Memorial Cup, as Gemel Smith turned the few shifts he was given every game, into energy for his team. When the Attack lost stars Joey Hishon and Garrett Wilson, he took his game to a whole new level, giving the team a look into Gemel Smith’s future.

Gemel’s game starts with his speed. He likes to work the give and go low in his own zone and hit his own blue line with speed, forcing the defenders off balance. At just 161 pounds, smith doesn’t play much of a physical game, but he doesn’t let it affect him if a team wants to play him that way. Smith is above average at face offs as well, winning two-thirds of his draws Thursday night against the Barrie Colts.
Gemel also has a surprisingly hard shot for his slender build, but what is so deadly about it, is the quickness with which he gets it off. It is on his stick for no more than a split-second when he is in prime shooting areas. This is undoubtedly partly to help him avoid contact, but it also catches opposing goalies off guard.

Gemel still finds the defensive game in the OHL a little tough for him to play. He has a hard time out-muscling guys down low in his own zone, but he isn’t afraid to get in there and help his defenders out as any good centre would.

Gemel is not an elite talent in this upcoming draft but he is a nice player, who with some added muscle could become a top player in the Ontario Hockey League and a very serviceable player at the NHL level. Owen Sound is going to give him the opportunities; it will be up to him to take advantage of them.

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