Sharks’ winger Will Smith looks to take next step in sophomore NHL season | NBC Sports California

offseason world championship gold and then that same week get a hole in one. That was a pretty good week for you, huh? Yeah, it was quite the week. Pretty exciting. What was that world championship experience like for you? It was great. I think uh trying to get some playoff experience. You know, those quarters through through finals are some tough games and um obviously being from the United States, it’s always a pleasure to have that crust on your chest. Get to do that with your coach. Did that mean a little bit extra to you for you? Yeah, definitely. I think going there with with him and and all of our staff that win was pretty cool and I think getting to getting to win with them was was even cooler. You’ve been a winner your whole career, but last year wasn’t you haven’t been used to that. So get that winning a feeling as you head into the offseason. What did that do for your motivations? It’s super big. I think obviously last year wasn’t um the year we wanted in in the standings, but I think coming into this year, we’re all super excited and brought in some new guys and um I think we’re all just super pumped to get going. Coach Worovski talked about I think on Spit Chicks, how you have this quiet confidence about yourself and before that gold medal game you you told him or in passing like we’re going to get this done. How do you bring that confidence to the San Jose Sharks? I think I think I bring it with me everywhere I go. Um, every team I’ve been on, I think, um, you know, I just try to do the best I can for the team and, um, on and off the ice, just being a great person in the locker room and, um, a guy that people want to be around and obviously I think I want to win wherever I go and that’s our goal here. What was your biggest focus here in to get prepared for year two? probably just in the gym putting on weight and getting a little faster I think is something I focused on and um that I was really excited to um show off and get ready for this year. Last year you and Mlin were kind of unknowns, you know, going in and you make your name for yourself obviously, but this year probably going to be towards the top of scouting reports. What’s going to be the biggest challenge here as you enter your sophomore season? Yeah, I think there’s a lot of expected of both of us. I think um I think it’s it’s kind of more of an honor to do that and um going in this year it’s you know you’re expected to perform and obviously both of us want to do that and I think um we’re prepared to do it. Last year 35 close games in the NHL uh I think like 12 games 13 games where you’re leading in the third. It didn’t go your way. How do you guys now flip that and take the next step that needs to happen? Yeah, we knew all those stats. I think uh experiencing those third period losses, especially after having two great periods and then kind of letting it down in the third is something that we definitely need to clean up and um something that we’re definitely prepared for and ready to do this year. Mike Greer brought in a bunch of veterans to this group. What did you notice about the guys he brought in? I think they’ve all been uh in the Stanley Cup or had some crazy playoff experience. So, I think um having that around our locker room and just having guys that have been in the league for so long is super helpful for um all of our younger guys and for us to be able to watch them and follow them is is going to be super good for us. What does a successful second year kind of look like for you? I think like you said, there’s there’s a lot to be expected of of myself and obviously want to help the team out as best as I can and I think there’s obviously expectations I have for myself that I can help this team win. Michael and Sam are going to try and do what what you and Mlin did last year as two teenagers come to this league and and stay the whole time. What advice would you give them? I think enjoy every second of it. And um I think I said it a bunch last year. There’s going to be ups and downs. So just got to stick with it and um you’re playing the best league in the world, so there’s obviously going to be some some hard times, but um just enjoy it and have fun. Then the next wave of prospects come in after you, and you’re a guy who’s probably going to want to be here for a long time and be part of the solution. When you look at that in the direction of where the Sharks going into this new era, what do you hope you guys can define what it means to be a San Jose Shark? I just want to bring back here. I think the fans deserve it. And um everyone everyone talks about how it used to be and with Patty and Jumbo here and how how great it was. So I think when you hear that and you think about the fans and what they’ve gone through the past couple years, you want to obviously help that out and, you know, get that get that tank back going and get uh get some more wins. What did you notice also about the new lease agreement with the city and kind of tell you guys as a group of players? Yeah, I think it’s great. I think um the work they’ve done here at the practice facility and then obviously they’re putting a bunch in at the tank so it’s going to be uh pretty cool and for for years to come it’ll be great. Another big storyline with hockey is the Olympics this year. Uh what does it mean to you to to represent the United States? I’ve asked you this before, but let’s roll it back. Yeah, I think I have the same answer every time. It means everything. I think growing up as a kid, I would get dressed up in Halloween as a as a USA hockey player and um Miracle and all those things combined and then going to the development team. So, it’s uh it’s pretty special wearing that sweater and I’ll never take it for granted. How much are you, you know, maybe your name’s not out there right now to make that roster, maybe on the fringe if you but are you using it as motivation to go have a great first half and force the issue? 100%. I think um if you weren’t doing that, you’re not a competitor. So, I think um obviously I see that and want to be in that team cuz it’s a dream come true, but um you can’t really worry about that. You just got to go play your best and um worry about the team that you’re on the full season. Besides hockey, is there something that stands out to you about the Olympics that you really love? Uh I think all the sports combined to be honest. I think uh just thinking about the events and I watch it every year in TV and it’s uh it’s pretty cool and I’ve been dreaming about it since a kid. CHL, NCAA have kind of been a big focal point for for hockey. What do you think is the best outcome for those two leagues when it comes to player development? Uh, I think it’s a pretty new precedent right now. I think um especially the NIL money, it’s getting getting pretty crazy. So, I think there’s going to be a couple years where it’s kind of the wild west, but uh we’ll see what happens. I think obviously both leagues are are awesome, but I I went the NCA route and I think it worked out. So, I think it’s definitely the leads yodu. I heard this question, so I’m going to pass it along. What is your f or what is the most unique cork you have from your equipment standpoint or that you’ve heard from someone else? Oo, that’s a tough one. Myself, probably just my like my sticks. I I switch it a lot. So, I uh want to make sure it feels right. But from other guys, I mean, there’s you could talk about a bunch of guys switching sticks a lot or tape jobs, skates, all that stuff. How often do you switch your stick? Um, probably switch my spec, like every year, just different flex or different curve or something like that. But, um, I also like the feel of a new stick. So, uh, more theme night things going forward here. First night on our air is WWE. Your guys’ opening night is on, uh, ESPN Plus, but it’s WWE night. Don’t know if you’re a wrestling fan or not, but if you had to pick someone on your team to be your tag team partner, who would it be? I’ll say Revo. Next generation for hockey fans is also a night. What is what how did you originally get into hockey? I originally got into it from my uh one of my dad’s best friends. He dropped off a jersey for in-house league and ever since then I kind of just took off and love the game. Bay Areite is also where you talk about all the other sports in the area, not just pertaining to this area cuz I know you grew up somewhere else but what’s your favorite sport to go watch as a fan? I’ll have to go with back home. I growing up going to BC football games uh my whole life but obviously I was pretty lucky at the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox. So, is there a game that you went to as a fan that like stands out to one of your favorite memories? I was at the comeback game in 2011 against the Leafs when they were down four to one in the third period. Oh, that’s a good one. Yeah. All right, last one for you. Take us through your hole and one. How did how’d it happen? Yeah. Yeah, I mean I was with my a couple of my buddies back um from BC and it’s like the first day I was back or the second day I was back and um they were on the fourth hole and I actually had a birdie the hole before so I was feeling good and he actually yelled out the yardage and I was being too lazy to walk all the way back to the cart to change my club. So I swung a little hard with the pitching wedge and it’s probably three yard fade right in there and then we ran up there and it was in the cup. So did you get to see it drop or is it one that was couldn’t see it? Yeah, you can see it. All right. Well, that’s right. Still good. Appreciate you, man. Thanks.

Sharks’ winger Will Smith speaks with NBC Sports California’s Alan Hoshida and discuses how he can take the next step in his sophomore NHL season.

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