'We just can't get enough of his energy': Lancers thriving as Colton Smith heats up

The Windsor Lancers men's hockey team moved into a three-way tie for first in the competitive OUA West division with a 6-1 win over Guelph Friday night. Rookie Colton Smith continued his late season surge with a pair of goals while Ty Toews added three assists in the victory.

"I think it's very rare for a first year player to come in and have the impact that Colton Smith has had on our team." Head coach Kevin Hamlin told Powerplay Sports. "We're certainly benefiting from it. I think he's enjoying the game, and we just can't get enough of his energy, and we're feeding off it."

With five goals in his last two games, Smith jumped into a tie for second in the OUA with 15 goals and sits three behind teammate Keegan McMullen who has 18 goals in 23 games. According to Hamlin, Smith has tied the rookie record for goals scored in a season.

"I got my confidence back in Leamington last year." Smith explained. "Obviously, I had a tough go in my last year in the OHL, so I didn't get to play much and all that and then I finally got a chance last year with the Leamington Flyers, and then Hammer's giving me another chance here, and I've really taken off with the chances I've been given, and I've given my best effort to this team."

Smith, who now has seven points in his last three games, says he was hoping to do well in his first season with the Lancers.

"I wasn't sure if I was gonna do this well." said Smith who credits his teammate for his growing confidence. "I think just with tools that I've been given here with obviously, Logan Linklater, has been a huge help for me this year, right handed center, who does a lot and got a downplayed in the WHL, he got a chance here, and he's taken off with that as well."

The Lancers are tied with Laurier and Lakehead for first in the West and host the Golden Hawks Saturday afternoon at 4pm.