Following on from the announcement of the partnership with the Australian Defence Force Ice Hockey Association, the Sydney Bears are excited to announce the signing of LT Cameron Smith of the Army Knights for season 2016.
The Melbourne born forward was raised in Vancouver and got his first taste of AIHL hockey last weekend when the Bears faced off against cross city rivals the Sydney Ice Dogs, where the Bears took home a 2-1 win at Penrith Ice Palace:
“My first game with the Bears was an awesome experience! First and foremost the guys on the team and the staff were extremely welcoming to me. I had not had a chance to meet any of the guys except for Ron and it was nice to have them all so welcoming. I really was blown away by the pace of the game and the quality of players. It brought me back to my days in Canada and the level I was playing there. I don't get a chance to train with the team as I live in Wagga and work during the week so I will hopefully be able to pick up my game during the Wilson's Cup matches.”LT Smith has been in the Army for five years, currently based in Wagga Wagga in the 1st Recruit Training Battalion at Kapooka, he will commute to Sydney for the Bears home games.
On playing at an elite level in Australia LT Smith is looking forward to playing a high caliber of hockey:
“I'm really looking forward to playing a high level of hockey. I have played club hockey in Brisbane for quite a while now, but it was never really that high calibre. Obviously there are some really talented players in the AIHL currently and I am excited about getting to play alongside them or against them.”Sydney Bears head coach, Ron Kuprowsky previously coached LT Smith during the inaugural ADFIHA Tri-Service Carnival last November:
“Cam adds another power forward to the team this season, his work ethic is top notch and with his strong skating and puck skills I look for him to make his mark in his first season in the AIHL”On having the guidance of Kuprowsky, LT Smith said:
“Having Ron there [gave] people who have never played the sport before, access to a professional coach who can work with them on the basics and give valuable tips to improve their game and motivation to continue playing. He also contributed to us having a good wining game plan and one that will not be challenged in the near future by Air Force or Navy, because Army is the best ;)”Catch Cameron and the rest of your Sydney Bears in action when we play our first home game against the CBR Brave on April 24 at Penrith Ice Palace. Tickets will be available online soon.
MUSTANGS
BRAVE
ICE
THUNDER
RHINOS
NORTHSTARS
ADRENALINE
LIGHTNING
