Will Smith vs Germany ($)
![Will Smith vs Germany ($)](/content/images/size/w2000/2024/05/Will-Smith-vs-Germany_2-lines.png)
The IIHF World Men's Championship allows Will Smith to get an opportunity to play against professional men's hockey players without losing his eligibility at Boston College. While it is one tournament, it allows us to see Smith against professional players and how his game has grown since being drafted 4th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
After being the 13th forward in Team USA's 5-2 loss to Sweden and only registering 7:38 of ice time. San Jose Shark's (current) top prospect, Will Smith, saw action as the third-line center in a 6-1 win over Germany. He finished with 12:35 of ice time and a shot on goal. Going to break down some of his key moments from the game.
17:30 left 1st period: Will Smith (6) gets the puck behind the net and tries to be patient, but his wingers don't do too much to try and get open here. Joel Farabee parks 5 feet away and doesn't give much of an option. Would have liked to see Farabee more near the faceoff circle to allow a potential one-timer.
Will Smith behind the net
Smith gets a few very short defensive zone shifts in the middle of the first period.
4:20 left 1st period: Smith breakout pass leads to a great scoring opportunity and extended zone time for Team USA.
Will Smith breakout pass