Tarin Smith Interview
ANAHEIM, Calif. – For Anaheim Ducks prospect Tarin Smith, the season has become less about introduction and more about progression. The 2024 third-round pick has continued to build on his strong start with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, as he became the team’s 26th captain this season.
The Saskatchewan native is focused on sharpening the details of his game, embracing leadership opportunities, and translating lessons from Anaheim to his day-to-day preparation.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Interview conducted via Zoom on Jan. 2, 2025.
Q: Since we last spoke, what’s felt like the biggest step forward in your game this season, and what’s been clicking for you in Everett?
Smith: “Probably just playing faster. Not necessarily skating faster, but being urgent with the puck. That’s been a big theme for us in Everett, and it’s something Anaheim has emphasized to me over the last year and a half. We have such a fast team here, and playing that way has really contributed to my growth and our success.”
Q: You were named the 26th captain in Everett Silvertips history this season. Did wearing the ‘C’ change how you approached the game at all?
Smith: “No, not really. I felt like I was given that role for a reason, so I didn’t think I needed to be a different person. Obviously, it’s a responsibility, but being myself is what got me there, so I wanted to keep rolling with that.”
Q: You’ve attended the Ducks development camp at Great Park over the past couple of seasons. What stood out most to you about the Ducks’ facilities compared to junior hockey?
Smith: “They’re next to none. The recovery tools, the dressing rooms, everything is top-level. What stood out most to me was how well taken care of you are. There’s support for everything, and that makes a huge difference.”
Q: What’s one detail from the Ducks development camp that you’ve been able to translate back into your game in Everett?
Smith: “Playing fast. Every practice, drill, and rep at camp, whether it’s development camp, main camp, or the rookie tournament, is quick and snappy. I brought that back to Everett, and it’s kind of bled into our team game.”
Q: What was your biggest ‘welcome to the NHL’ moment at Ducks camp?
Smith: “Probably my first development camp when I jumped on the ice for a shooting session and realized it was with Ryan Getzlaf. He’s from Saskatchewan like me, and growing up he was a household name. That was pretty special.”
Q: How do you balance continuing to produce offensively while focusing on improving your defensive game?
Smith: “For me, the offense kind of comes naturally with how I play and how I think the game. Working on the defensive side doesn’t hurt my offense at all. A big thing for me has been video, knowing where to be and understanding situations better.”
Q: What excites you most about being part of the Ducks organization?
Smith: “Just the young talent they have. Being around those guys and competing with them is so much fun. Watching younger players in the NHL succeed this year makes it exciting knowing I’m coming up into that group.”
Q: Is there a specific goal you want to accomplish before your time in Everett is done?
Smith: “I want to win here. We have a winning culture, and my main focus is winning a championship in Everett. If we go as far as we want to, four playoff rounds and hopefully the Memorial Cup, I’ll learn so much from that.”
Q: Do you feel like you’ve grown as a leader compared to earlier in your junior career?
Smith: “Yeah, 100%. When I was younger, I learned a lot from the leaders I played under. Our captain when I was 16, Jackson Berezovsky, was a great leader, and I still think about how he treated younger guys. That’s definitely stayed with me.”
Fun and Personality:
Q: Who’s been the toughest opponent you’ve faced this season?
Smith: “Probably Tij Iginla. He plays so hard, protects the puck really well, and can score from anywhere. He’s tough to defend and hard to play against in the corners.”
Q: If you weren’t playing hockey, what career path do you think you would’ve taken?
Smith: “I probably would’ve been a farmer. I grew up on a farm, so I was kind of born into it.”
Q: Speaking of your farming roots, if your teammates had to help out on a farm, who would survive and who wouldn’t?
Smith: “I don’t think Jesse Heslop would last very long on a farm. Someone who would do really well would probably be Jackson Vaughn.”
Q: What’s one word to describe your teammates this season, and one word they’d use to describe you?
Smith: “For my teammates, I’d say ‘relentless.’ We’ve come back in so many games late and never really back down. For me, I think they’d say I’m easy to be around. That’s important to me, especially as a leader.”
