The Victoria Shamrocks are pleased to announce today that they have acquired the rights to Dhane Smith from the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Major Series Lacrosse in a transfer for the remainder of 2014 with an option to extend through 2015.
A six-foot-three, 200-pound forward/transition, Smith comes to the green and white as one of the most highly sought-after players in the game. In his first full-season at the senior ‘A’ level, Smith has showcased himself as one of lacrosse’s top young, dynamic players with a dangerous combination of speed and skill. In 2012, he was selected fifth-overall by the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League Draft.
“I would consider him to be one of the best, if not the best up-and-coming player in the game today,” explained Victoria attacker Corey Small. “He is one of the most athletic players in the NLL with an unbelievable combination of size, speed and skill which allows him to be an impact player on offence, defence or in transition.”
A St. Catharine’s, Ontario native, Smith currently sits third overall in MSL scoring. In six games with the Kodiaks, Smith had 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points. Prior to 2014, Smith was a late season call-up by the Kodiaks for two-straight years, where he proved to be one of their best players as a junior. The 21-year-old has 67 points (28g, 39a) in 24 career MSL games. Smith has also dressed in 11 MSL playoff games where he has 10 goals and eight helpers for 18 points. Smith was teammates with current Shamrocks defenceman Ryan Dilks in Kitchener-Waterloo from 2012-2013.
Smith has now played two season in the NLL. In 18 games during the 2014 campaign, Smith registered 20 goal and 39 assists for 59 points. Listed as a transition for Buffalo, Smith now has 103 points (44g, 59a) in 33 career NLL games.
In 2013, the right-handed shooter finished a decorated junior career in Kitchener-Waterloo. In 102 Junior ‘A’ games, Smith had 187 goals and 227 assists for 413 points. He was named a co-winner of the Green Gael Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in O.L.A. Junior ‘A’ Series. Smith also earned the Bobby Allan Award in both 2012 and 2013 as the league’s top scorer.
“We’re extremely excited to add Dhane to our group. He’s an elite young player who is excellent at either end of the floor and in transition,” said Shamrocks General Manager & Vice President Chris Welch. “He brings size, speed and skill to our lineup and he’s a perfect fit with our systems.”
Smith is expected to arrive in Victoria this week and make his Shamrocks’ debut on Friday at home versus the Maple Ridge Burrards.
The Shamrocks will be back at 100.3 The Q Centre on Friday, June. 27 when they host the Burrards. Game time is 7:45 p.m. The game will be the Shamrocks’ Family Night & Player Card Give-Away presented by Peninsula Co-op. Parents and kid combo tickets will be available for only $12 with the first 200 kids receiving a limited edition player card collector set. Tickets are available by calling the Shamrocks front office at 250-478-ROCK.
