Shane Smith takes a faceoff against the Everett Silvertips. (Image Credit: Steve Dunmoor)
By Regan Bartel
AHL deal

Veteran signs pro contract

Aug 11, 2026 | 4:26 PM

Rockets Press Release:

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce that forward Shane Smith has signed an American Hockey League contract with the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.

Smith, 21, joined the Rockets in a trade with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in November 2025, arriving in Kelowna alongside forward Vojtech Cihar. In his lone season with the Rockets, the 6’2″, 205-pound left-shot forward posted 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points in 41 regular-season games, adding four points in nine playoff games and appearing in three games at the 2026 Memorial Cup.

“Shane brought a lot to our team this year, both as a player and as a person,” said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. “We’re proud of everything he accomplished here, and we’re excited to see him take this next step with Henderson.”

Regan’s Take: Every 20-year-old who has aged out of the WHL wants to sign a pro contract. Shane Smith accomplished that goal, despite never hearing his name called in the NHL Entry Draft.

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It didn’t happen the easy way.

After proving his career-high 29 goals two seasons ago with the Medicine Hat Tigers was no fluke, the media-friendly forward scored 33 times this season, establishing himself as one of the top overagers in the 23-team circuit.

Smith’s quick release is his biggest weapon, but his leadership qualities are just as undeniable. Off the ice, the way he carries himself and the character he displays will take him a long way — not only in hockey, but in life.

Over his four-year WHL career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Kelowna Rockets, Smith appeared in 264 regular-season games, recording 93 goals and 90 assists for 183 points.

Away from the rink, Smith made an equally significant impact in the community. He was named the 2025-26 WHL Humanitarian of the Year and was recognized as a finalist for the CHL Humanitarian of the Year Award after raising funds throughout the season for the Canadian CMV Foundation, inspired by his niece Maia’s battle with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

The Kelowna Rockets congratulate Shane on signing his first professional contract and wish him continued success with the Henderson Silver Knights.

by Regan Bartel

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