by Alex Clark

           When asked to describe any athlete, one hears from coaches, teammates, and fans alike the same slew of clichés and axioms that were coined long ago. But Colgate University may never have seen a hockey player who so perfectly personifies each and every positive cliché like Scooter Smith.

            With glory days slowly drifting away into memory, the Class of 2003 holds the last remaining faces from the Raider squad that splashed into the NCAA tournament in 2000. And while the team domination hibernates for the moment, Smith brings his spark to the ice every night that awakens the crowds and benches and brings those same familiar phrases to everyone’s lips.

            ‘He is one of the top forwards at this level.’ Smith justifies this statement night in and night out, and has done so for four years. The Calgary native found himself recruited to one of the top teams in college hockey in 1999, yet even as a freshman he became an integral part of the Colgate program. Smith registered nine points in his first year, a total that placed him second on the team in rookie scoring despite his only competing in 22 games due to injury. Arriving from the Alberta Junior Hockey League in which he tallied 80 points in 57 games for the Calgary Royals, the up-and-coming talent remembers having to adjust to the ECAC.

            “I had to learn a lot about the game,” said the senior. “The biggest thing coming in was definitely getting used to the speed of the game. After I got used to that, I began to improve over the four years. My biggest asset coming in was my skating. That’s something that I’ve concentrated on, along with getting stronger. Putting on a little weight is something that you work on in the off-season in the weight room.

             "So you work on the things that you’re good at, but you definitely put in a lot more on the things that you need to improve on. I think I’ve improved a lot. Just working with the coaches, taking what they have to say and applying it to the game, has helped me so much and taught me a lot about what I need to do to get there.”

            Not only has Smith adjusted to the speed of the game, he has set a new level. In his sophomore season the forward put together 24 points in 30 games. Now, in his final campaign with the Raiders, Smith continues to outshine the competition, as he currently leads the ECAC in goals with 14 in 21 games played. All told, this top forward accumulated 38 goals and 71 points in his career, and still looks forward to the second half of his senior year which looks to be his best yet.

            ‘He has struggled with and overcome adversity.’ There lies no doubt in anyone’s mind that in Smith beats the heart and talent of his mentor Andy McDonald, who now skates with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. But the cards just never fell the way that all of this player’s supporters hoped. As a freshman, Smith separated not one but both of his shoulders, sidelining him for the middle part of his ever important learning year. His second year brought disruption of a different kind, when family issues forced the sophomore to temporarily withdraw from the school and miss the final four games of the season. Luck failed Smith once again the following year, as a knee injury hampered the nagged the normally speedy scorer, holding him to 18 points. To even continue to compete, let alone be successful at the college level through his many problems showed character and heart.

            “Scooter’s had some real difficult issues to face,” said Raider head coach Don Vaughan. “His mother was sick and he had to withdraw from school to take care of some things at home. Along with all the injuries, he’s faced some adversity since he’s been here. I think the true sign of his character is that he’s been able to come back from all of that. He’s certainly playing this year like we all thought he could.”

            After successful knee surgery this summer, Smith is poised for his best season ever. On a team that has generated only 50 goals through 22 games, the 5’10” forward  accounts for almost 30% of Colgate’s goals this year.

            ‘He is a leader both on and off the ice, and always gives 110%.’ Just being the most prolific Raider on the ice doesn’t mean much, especially in a college setting in which learning is as much a part of the game as winning. Smith takes pride in taking young players under his wing, an attitude that becomes necessary on a team with 17 underclassmen.

            “Something that I’ve tried to do as much as I can is teach the younger guys what I’ve learned,” said Smith. “It’s just like how Andy McDonald talked to me and passed on those things that he picked up. I’m also there if a guy has some problems or needs someone to talk to and get things off their chests. I’m there to motivate kids, too.”

            As important a role as his off-ice counseling and experience plays, it is undeniably Smith’s leadership on the ice that leaves the greatest impact on those around him. This extends not only to games, but practices as well, where coaches herald him as one of the hardest working players on the team.

            “Everything that this game is about is work ethic,” he said. “If you don’t have it, you’re not going to get anywhere. You can have as much talent as you want, but if you’re not willing to work at it, you’re not going to have anything.”

            In addition to his knack for finding the back of the net, Smith also preaches the importance of being an all-purpose player in a tough league like the ECAC. He strives to be one of the best on both halves of the ice every night.

            “I try to do as much as I possibly can in the offensive and defensive zone,” he explained. “I don’t consider myself a goal-scorer. I consider myself an all-around player. I try to keep everything as good as I can.”

            ‘He believes in himself and follows his dreams.’ Smith looks back on his four years at Colgate with fondness, and truly exhibited his talents to a dedicated and appreciative crowd. But this young player refuses to court the idea of hanging up the blades after his final game in maroon and grey. A grander stage is calling the 22 year old, and he hopes to get there no matter what the path may look like.

            “I wanted to come here and play hockey,” he concluded. “That was my focus. Hockey is something that I’ve always wanted to pursue and has been a dream of mine forever and that I’ve worked for and sacrificed for all my life. I’d love to go on and play in the NHL. If that doesn’t happen, maybe I’ll play in the minors or possibly in Europe. For me not to pursue hockey as much as I can would be letting myself down.”

            Scooter Smith leads the way and personifies Colgate Raider hockey every time he hops over the boards on to the ice, and continues to make those who know him proud even off of the frozen sheet. In this player’s case, it would not be cliché to say that he truly is ‘one of a kind.’