Smith joins Tigers for 2025-26

Dalhousie Tigers men’s hockey head coach Chris Donnelly is pleased to announce the commitment of Kyler Smith for the 2025-26 season.  

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Smith has suited up for the Kindersley Klippers in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) for the last three seasons. A defenceman and team captain, he has scored eight goals and added 28 assists in his 162 games. He was named the top defenceman in the 2024-25 season for the Klippers and had the best plus/minus during the season.  

Off the ice Smith was recognized as an RBC Community Ambassador for the last two seasons for making a difference in his community.  

“I am super excited to be joining the Tigers this fall,” says Smith. “I am confident in the direction of the team and looking forward to getting out there and getting to work.” 

The 2023-24 SJHL Academic Player of the Year will be studying commerce at Dalhousie.  

“Kyler’s leadership abilities have been a constant throughout his career to date,” says Donnelly. “He has been the captain of every team he has played on, including wrapping up his junior career as captain of the Kindersley Klippers. People surrounding him speak of him as a quality person first and foremost. On the ice he is a smooth skating defenseman who can move pucks quickly and efficiently. These along with his mobility on the offensive blueline are all qualities we are looking forward to adding to our program.” 

The Tigers open their 2025-26 season at UNB on October 3.