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Prospect Preview: Gemel Smith - Junior Hockey News
Published: Monday, 10 Sep 2012
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The Dallas Stars are in the midst of rebuilding their team. General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk traded forwards Steve Ott and Mike Ribeiro, which leaves the team lacking in speed and tenacity that those particular players brought to Glen Gulutzan's Stars.
Enter Gemel Smith.
The parade of centers being taken in the 2012 Entry Draft continued in the fourth round, when the Stars picked Smith with the 104th overall pick.
Smith is a versatile center, who can be used in any situation. Among his other traits are his blazing speed and his work ethic.
While playing with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League, he tallied 21 goals and added 39 assists and also won the Fastest Skater Competition at the Top Prospects game.
Scouts and pundits have noted Smith's forechecking abilities, along with his effort level as reason why he is considered a quality pick for the Stars. We should also note that due to his good forechecking, he will most likely score goals off of turnovers.
Gemel Smith will once again compete for the Attack this season, along with teammates Daniel Catenacci and Jarrod Maidens.
Expect him to surpass his goal scoring totals this season and continue to work on his wrist shot.
In Smith, the Stars prospect pool adds a mix of grit and speed which could turn out to be a bottom six energy player for the Stars. Where he was picked in the Draft, has no reflection of his talent and teams could see that in the near future.
In the next edition of the Prospects Preview, we will take a look at Ryan Rupert of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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