Three Western Hockey League standouts from the inaugural international clash.
Three Western Hockey League standouts from the inaugural international clash.
There was plenty of talent to go around at the first-ever CHL-USA showcase, where Team CHL took the first of two contests by a score of 6-1. THN looks at three WHL skaters who went above and beyond on Tuesday night in London, Ont.
Lynden Lakovic- Moose Jaw Warriors
If there were any doubts about the Warriors forward, most if not all of them should have vanished by this point. Lakovic was all over the ice in the best way possible, including finishing off a gorgeous stretch pass from fellow WHLer Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen). In addition, he showed off some great creativity in the offensive zone, plus got a little physical when he needed to. The Moose Jaw star will rise on a lot of draft boards come next June.
Jackson Smith- Tri-City Americans
Smith was the complete opposite end of the spectrum in this game, flattening several opponents and making smart positional plays to force his competition to get creative in order to make plays. The Americans blueliner also had a couple of really smooth takeaways, plus wasn't afraid to get in front of some shots himself. This was no surprise to WHL fans, as Smith has been consistent all season in being the "hard to play against" defenseman and that role has fit him like a glove.
Cameron Schmidt- Vancouver Giants
He. Is. Speed.
Schmidt, like Lakovic, also recorded a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game. As he has shown all year, Schmidt's goal was a trademark at this point: Blazing fast to catch up to the play, they taking a pass to the outside and beating the goaltender with a lethal shot. Despite his size, the Giants forward has more than held his own (he leads the entire WHL in goals, by the way) and will continue to dominate the field with his quick and shifty movements.
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