Photo credit: RocketFAN

By Regan Bartel

From last place to Memorial Cup dreams

Shane Smith brings heart, leadership, and championship drive

Nov 12, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Shane Smith hit the junior hockey jackpot when he was traded from the Eastern Conference’s last-place Lethbridge Hurricanes to the Memorial Cup host Kelowna Rockets. For the 20-year-old forward, who plays with heart, humility, and purpose, it’s a trade that could redefine his career.

Funny thing is, the move might not be as random as it looks. Hurricanes GM Peter Anholt and Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton have a history of swinging big deals together. Just last season, Anholt acquired Caden Price in a blockbuster that sent a first-round prospect pick, defenseman Will Sharpe and the rights to goaltender Harrison Boettiger the other way. This time, Smith and LA Kings draft pick Vojtech Cihar are the newest pieces heading west to a Rockets team preparing to host junior hockey’s biggest stage.

“It’s definitely a little different,” Smith said with a grin when asked by RocketFAN how this move compared to last season’s trade when he was dealt by the WHL champion Medicine Hat Tigers. “There’s a lot of excitement here [Kelowna], and I’m super excited to have a chance to win a Memorial Cup.”

Smith knows how rare it is to jump from a rebuilding team to a contender. Drafted by Medicine Hat, and now with Kelowna, he’s finally stepping onto the stage every junior player dreams about.

“I was kind of aware a couple of weeks into the season,” he said. “I saw Kelowna only had one overager. So this is pretty cool.”

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Still, trades come fast.

“We got back late Saturday from Swift Current, then I got the message to come into the rink Sunday evening. I had a feeling there might be a trade. So I went into the GM’s office, and he let me know I was coming to Kelowna.”

Leaving Lethbridge wasn’t easy.

“Obviously sad to say goodbye, but super excited and couldn’t be happier to be here.”

Smith’s résumé includes a 29-goal season with Medicine Hat, proof he can score. But he’s not one-dimensional.

“That’s definitely part of the game I love,” he said. “But I love to help the team in any way I can, defense or offense. I’m excited to bring my talents here.”

He calls himself a Swiss Army knife.

“I can play in any situation, penalty kill, power play, any role the team asks. I’ll give my best to help the team win.”

His first game as a Rocket will be against his old team, a coincidence that almost sounds scripted.

“Definitely a little weird. I couldn’t imagine the first game after a trade being against my old team, but it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Smith isn’t worried about ice time or labels.

“There are a lot of great players here. Whatever the coaches ask, I’ll accept my role. Hopefully I can also bring leadership as an older player and share what I’ve learned. I’m excited to help build the culture here.”

Time is precious for a 20-year-old. Smith isn’t here to ride out the string.

“My goals in this league have always been to sign a pro contract and win a championship. I think I have a great opportunity to do that in Kelowna, so I couldn’t be more excited.”

Off the ice, Smith’s impact runs just as deep. A two-time WHL Humanitarian of the Year nominee, he gives back to the community in meaningful ways.

“I love to give back. I’m a big family person, and last year I started a campaign for my little niece, who was diagnosed with CMV.” He launched a foundation to raise awareness and funds for the CMV Foundation. “I’m really happy with the awareness we’ve raised, and I love giving back to the game and community that’s done so much for me. I’m excited to get that started here in Kelowna as well.”

Smith has been close to a championship, reaching the Eastern Conference Final last season with Lethbridge. That experience drives him.

“Being traded from a team that went to the Memorial Cup [Medicine Hat] last year definitely motivates me. There’s nothing I want more than to win a championship here.”

Facing Lethbridge on Friday will bring emotions, but nerves aren’t part of his game.

“It’s tough to comprehend, but I don’t think there’ll be too many nerves. I want to prove myself to the team, organization, and fan base. I’ll just go out there, play my game, and work hard.”

Shane Smith may call it a little weird to face his old team, but for a player who has earned everything through grit, character, and purpose, it feels like fate. With Smith now in the lineup, the Rockets have added the talent and leadership they need to chase a championship.