This season, Fischer Smith is enjoying his first season of junior hockey with the USPHL’s Decatur Blaze.

Smith knows a bit about the Blaze organization as his older brother Walker is now in his third season in Decatur and serving as captain this year.

Needless to say, it’s been a transition with few issues so far.

“The appeal for playing for the Blaze is the ability to develop and become a better stronger player,” Smith said. “This is my first time ever being on a team with my brother and it’s definitely a great experience. I feel like most players always dream of getting to play with their brother so it’s definitely a cool experience.”

It’s also Smith’s first opportunity living away from his Bailey residence.

“Living away from home was definitely nerve-racking at the beginning, but I think coming out here with my brother definitely helped a lot,” said Smith. “My billet and teammates have made this place feel like a second home.”

Prior to jumping to the USPHL, Smith had a decorated youth hockey career in Colorado, spending time with the Littleton Hawks, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Colorado Rampage and at Castle View High School.

“My biggest influences we’re definitely my Krivo coaches who definitely made me the skater I am today and my high school coach, Michael Dubus, who was always hard on me because I think he saw potential,” Smith said. “Also Coach (Matt) Frick who my brother has been skating with since he was 12, I just started skating with this past summer and really made me a much better player.”

Going forward, Smith has ideal aspirations he is shooting for as the season in Decatur moves along.

“My short-term goals would definitely be to get some points on the board, get my first junior goal, and become a more sound player,” said Smith. “Long term, I would like to go to college or maybe play professionally somewhere. As far as life goes, I’m not really sure what I want to do yet, but I still have a bit of time to figure it out.

“I would obviously love to play college hockey. I got a lot of work to put in if I want to make it happen, but I think I can do it.”

— Matt Mackinder

(October 26, 2022)