'Great potential': Greyhounds ink 2023 fifth-round pick

The Soo Greyhounds announced this afternoon the signing of 2023 fifth-round draft pick Brady Smith.

Smith, 17, spent the 2023-24 season with the Greater Ontario League's Listowell Cyclones, where the forward scored 11 goals and 25 points in 49 regular season games before scoring twice and assisting on 14 goals in 22 playoff games as the Cyclones won the Sutherland Cup.

“Brady is someone who we see great potential in and that was a big reason we selected him after a great U16 year," Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis said in a release. "A year later, his significant skill refinement is evident."

“His effectiveness shone consistently, from winning faceoffs to displaying keen offensive awareness, along with his diligence in all three zones," Raftis also said. "With an instinct for creating opportunities for his linemates by finding open ice, Brady possesses the skill, hockey IQ, and physicality needed to dominate the game with each shift.”

Smith called signing with the Greyhounds an honour.

"I'm very honoured and proud to get the opportunity to sign with the Hounds," he said.