Zak Smith is the new captain of the Flin Flon Bombers.
The staff made the announcement to the players this past weekend prior to the two games this week against the La Ronge Ice Wolves.
The 20-year-old left winger joined the Bombers in September after being acquired in a trade from the MJHL’s Neepawa Titans. The product of Austin, Manitoba, spent the last three seasons with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels where he was named an alternate captain during the 2020-21 season by former Rebels Head Coach, Brent Sutter.
“Zak has been a great leader for us since acquiring him early in the season. He plays the game the way we want our entire team to play. He’s an honest player that brings it every night. He’s a guy that a lot of our younger players look up to and he has the respect from the entire staff and all of his teammates.” – Bombers Head Coach & GM, Mike Reagan
Smith is currently second in Bomber scoring with 32 points (13g, 19a) in 30 games. Zak’s 1.07 points-per-game average is a team high and his 28 blocked shots ranks second among all Bomber players. In his first game sporting the ‘C’ on his chest, Smith played an integral role in the Bombers 5-1 victory over the Ice Wolves in La Ronge. Zak had a goal and an assist in the win. Although he was held off the scoresheet in last nights 2-1 win over La Ronge, Smith had 4 blocked shots which was a team high.
“I’m very honoured to be named captain of this organization. Flin Flon has a lot of history in the hockey world and it’s exciting that I can be a part of it. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for believing that I can lead this team.” – Bombers Captain, Zak Smith
20-year-old defenceman Rylan Thiessen has also been added to the leadership group and will be an alternate captain alongside Cole Vardy, Matt Raymond and Mason Kaspick. Thiessen is also a WHL veteran after spending the last two and a half seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Brandon Wheat Kings and Swift Current Broncos. Thiessen has been with the Bombers since late November and currently has 7 assists in 10 games since joining the team. Rylan appeared in a game with the Bombers as a WHL loan last season.
(Photo Credit – Kelly Jacobson)