Feature Story

A homegrown pro: Minneapolis’ Matt Smaby

 

By Andrew Vitalis

 

Planes, trains and automobiles- it’s not just a movie. To Matt Smaby, there have been times when it’s been reality. Take his 2007-08 season for example. Smaby started the season in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Soon after, he was sent back to the AHL. Then, three weeks later, he found himself on his way back to the Lightning. That pattern repeated itself three more times over the season. As a matter of fact, when asked about that point in his professional career, one of the first things Smaby talked about was the travel.

“I remember taking a train from Philadelphia to New York City to be with the Lightning,” smiled Smaby. “It was a stressful time to be honest, a lot of travel. I remember it was pretty tough on my body, I didn’t get a lot of rest.”

Don’t get him wrong, although exhausting at times, it was a process he’ll gladly repeat again. During the 2007-08 season, Smaby played a total of 14 games in the NHL, racking up 12 penalty minutes. Among his most memorable moments was his first NHL game against the New Jersey Devils.

“I really remember the games when I felt like I played really well, I felt comfortable,” remarked Smaby, a Minneapolis native. “When I played my first few games in the NHL, I wasn’t comfortable, but there were nights when I remember things just clicking, playing 20-25 minutes.”

Unfortunately, just when that comfort level began to come, Smaby found himself on the road again, back to the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. The flip-flopping of vehicles, and uniforms, proved to be a valuable experience.

“I definitely had to stay focused, it really tested my focus at times. When it comes to playing in the NHL, if you’re not focused, you’re going to be exposed right away,” commented Smaby. “There was definitely a learning curve. At times, it was tough to focus and prepare but it was a great learning experience for me. I hope that experience will help me later in my career.”

If you have followed Smaby’s career, his ability to learn on the fly has been evident. After playing high school hockey for Minneapolis Southwest, he transferred to powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s where he finished his high school career. From there, Smaby traveled north to Grand Forks, playing for North Dakota for three seasons.

From almost his first shift in the WCHA, it was obvious to coaches, and scouts, his time as a college hockey player were numbered. Smaby, known as a shutdown defenseman, finished his junior season with the Sioux by notching career highs in goals, assists and penalty minutes. After that season, the Tampa Bay second-round draft pick (selected 41st overall in the 2003 NHL draft) decided two things – the professional game was calling and he was ready for it.

“It was tough to leave, partly because of school and partly because of my teammates and coaches. I knew I was ready, my game was ready for that next challenge,” remembered Smaby. “I was comfortable going to the next level. I just felt the timing was right.”

Smaby signed a three-year deal with the Lightning. His rookie season was spent with Springfield followed by his first season in Norfolk. Now, playing in his second season with the Admirals, Smaby finds himself in the final year of his three-year deal. When asked about his upcoming contract uncertainty, Smaby laughs. For someone who feels he’s finally gotten a handle on the professional game, when it comes to the business side of things, he’s a rookie all over again.

“I want to play in the NHL again. Honestly, it doesn’t matter where it is. If it’s with Tampa great, but my ultimate goal is to get back there,” stated Smaby. “It’s something I try not to think about a whole lot. It’s a different experience experiencing it first hand. The bottom line is, it’s a business, and I’ve learned that.”

Needless to say, the opportunity might be more important than the paycheck.

“Finding yourself in the right opportunity is important. You definitely learn that players need a break. Everyone playing in the AHL right now, they are all just looking for that break,” added Smaby. “If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would have played in the NHL, I don’t think I was even thinking about that back then. Now, I expect to be in the NHL. That expectation pushes me everyday to get better. I try to take things day by day and be the best I can everyday.”

With that type of mindset, you can bet Smaby will once again find himself back in an NHL uniform. The only question is how he’ll get there…by plane, train, or automobile?

 

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