Despite it being a Thursday—a school day—Ty Smith was able to hear his name called in the WHL’s Bantam Draft back in May. After having just returned from a tournament with his Delta Hockey Academy team, Smith parked himself in front of a television set. Instead of squirming, wondering where he would end up being selected, he waited about five minutes to hear the Spokane Chiefs make him the league’s top pick. Smith became the first defenceman selected No. 1 since 2009 when Portland took Derrick Pouliot. For Spokane, it was the start to a strong draft day, as they stocked their pipeline in a way that could make them a serious contender over the next couple of seasons…

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