In a sense, the work is just beginning for Soo Thunderbirds forward Jacob Smith.
Heading into his second season in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Smith is coming off a productive first full year in the 12-team loop and is doing so with a commitment to play NCAA hockey at Lake Superior State University in tow.
The 17-year-old forward made a verbal commitment to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association program earlier this week, just days ahead of the Thunderbirds' exhibition opener this weekend.
Smith knows that the commitment is just the start.
“Nothing’s really changed,” he said. “I’m going to keep working. I definitely need to get bigger, stronger.”
A draft pick of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s in the 2023 U18 OHL Priority Selection, Smith said the decision to play NCAA hockey was about time more than a lot of other things.
“[Committing to college] gives me more time to get ready,” Smith said. “I still have two or three more years of getting better, bigger before I start.”
The 2023-24 NOJHL season saw Smith score 29 goals and 66 points in 58 games with the Thunderbirds, and the young forward has seen improvements in his game in that time.
“I’ve definitely become a better skater,” Smith said. “Learning to read the game better, quicker, and make plays better.”
Playing full time with the Thunderbirds last season was key to his progression.
“I learned a lot,” he said. “It’s definitely not the same as minor hockey. A lot longer of a season. I was an affiliate player with the Thunderbirds (in 2022-23), so it was a pretty smooth transition, but it’s still a lot different than minor hockey.”
Smith called the opportunity with Lake State an exciting one.
“I’m super excited about the season coming up and I know it’s still a little bit away, but it feels pretty good,” Smith said about committing to LSSU.
The program checked a lot of boxes for Smith.
“I went there for a visit with my family, and I really liked the facility and what they had to offer,” he said. “The coaching staff and playing ten minutes from home is a nice bonus.”
“It’s awesome," he continued. “Not a lot of people get that opportunity, so I’m super grateful for it. It will be nice to have my family in the crowd when I do play there.”
With the 2024-25 NOJHL season on the horizon, Smith said a firm date on when he would start at Lake State hasn’t been set yet. But the local product plans to take advantage of his time with the Thunderbirds ahead of making the jump.
“I want to be one of the best players in the league,” Smith said of his personal expectations going into the season. “I want to be a leader for my team and just keep getting better.”