Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Summerlin hockey player finds success on Vegas ice

Mark Smith 2

Richard Brian

Nevada Stars goalie Mark Smith (3) makes a glove save during team practice at the Las Vegas Ice Arena on Jan. 6.

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Nevada Stars goalie Mark Smith awaits instruction during a team practice at the Las Vegas Ice Arena Jan. 6.

Click to enlarge photo

Nevada Stars goalie Mark Smith (3), right, listens to coach Eldon "Pokey" Reddick during practice at the Las Vegas Ice Arena on Jan. 6.

Las Vegas isn't known as being a hotbed for hockey, but for one young player, it was the place to take his career to the next level.

Mark Smith moved to Las Vegas from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., two years ago so he could focus on playing hockey full time. He joined the Nevada Stars program, which is based out of the Las Vegas Ice Center, 9295 W. Flamingo Road.

"I was a bit skeptical when I was driving up here myself with my suitcases," he said

He now lives with Stars teammate Nick Scheafer and his family. The program is a travel team with local and out-of-state players who have moved to Las Vegas to play hockey full time.

"It's a lot of fun living with him. We get to spend a lot of time talking and playing hockey. I think it's been good for the both of us," Scheafer said.

Smith, 18, has made 318 saves in 355 shots on goal, playing in 19 of the team's 30 games.

"This is my last year of amateur hockey and I want to make it my best one," he said.

He's looking to finish up the season with the Stars and then head to Canada to join the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The idea of playing hockey in Canada gets Smith excited.

"I'd love to go play there. It would really better my hockey career," he said.

Stars coach Pokey Reddick, a former professional NHL goalie, said he's impressed with Smith's potential.

"He's quick and agile and has solid fundamentals," Reddick said. "If he keeps working hard and always trying to improve, he'll do well."

Smith started playing hockey when he was 4 years old because it is what his dad and older brothers did.

"They put me on skates and I never looked back," Smith said.

He was forced to be a goalie because his brothers were forwards and needed someone to play in the goal.

"I love everything about it. I love stopping the puck," Smith said.

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-7822 or [email protected].

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