Chiefs’ Ty Smith named WHL Defenseman of the Year

Spokane Chiefs defenseman Ty Smith has been named the Western Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday.

Smith, a first-round selection by the New Jersey Devils in the 2018 NHL draft, scored seven goals and had 62 assists in his third WHL season.

“It means a lot to me,” Smith said in a team release. “I’m really thankful to win this award, especially considering all the great defensemen in this league.”

The 19-year-old co-captain is the second Chiefs player to win the Bill Hunter Trophy, joining Brenden Kichton in 2013.

Smith had 22 multi-point games this season, including a four-assist game against Kootenay on Jan. 5.

He also represented Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Smith had three assists in five games.

Portland forward Joachim Blichfeld earned Player of the Year honors, while Prince Albert’s Ian Scott was named the league’s Goaltender of the Year.