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smash · 02-24-2024, 02:01 AM

AL.com

Smash Davis knew that putting amateur hockey aside to attend the University of Alabama would create an uphill journey to professional hockey. Davis took his first step this week by applying to join the Simulation Junior Hockey League, the professional minor league to the Simulation Hockey League. However, days have gone by and the 6-foot-3, 235-pound prospect is without a contract offer.

“I’ve received very little interest,” Davis told local reporter on Friday.

“I have heard from two [general managers]…one simply introduced himself, welcomed me to the league, and explained that his team does not have the roster space. Another GM asked if I would be interested in moving to defense to join his team for the rest of the season.”

Davis says he is not comfortable with a move to a new position to begin his professional career. An offensive skater by ice hockey trade, Davis has spent the last several months training with former National Hockey League center and Huntsville native Jared Ross.

“Jared has been amazing in preparing me over the last few months. He’s a guy from an unconventional hockey market that knows what is takes to make it as a professional,” said Davis.

The son of a retired U.S. Army colonel, Smash Davis dabbled in mechanical engineering before acknowledging his call to try professional hockey.

Born in Birmingham, Davis moved around the globe as his father was reassigned by the Army numerous times. After the Davis’s settled in Huntsville, Smash moved to Minnesota and finished high school at Shattuck-St. Mary’s High School. SSM won a pair of state championships with Davis anchoring the boys hockey team. Afterwards, the power forward accepted an invite to the U.S. National Junior Team before heading back to his home state to attend college.

Now, all Smash Davis can do is continue to train and wait for his opportunity.

“I’m working my tail off and preparing to help a juniors team do great things…and eventually, do the same for an SHL team,” Davis proclaimed.

“What most frustrating is that I know I’m ready to contribute, but the phone isn’t ringing. We thought a few teams would be interested in adding some size to their offensive attack this time a year. Unfortunately, that hasn’t panned out.”

Despite the lack of early interest, he is maintaining a positive outlook.

“I have reminded myself that there’s 20 regular season games left and teams are dialed in. It would take an unfortunate injury to a major player to get a call. But I’m a believer that there’s a predetermined order in life and my situation will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

It seems less likely that. Davis will get a call and contract offer from an SMJHL team for Seaon 75. As such, the prospect’s focus is shifting toward Seaosn 76.

“Unless I get a can’t-pass-up opportunity, I’m looking toward Season 76. I’m not sure how that works with the SMJHL, but I know I have at least two seasons in the minors before realizing my dream in the SHL. My agent will talk to both leagues and hopefully, I can enter the next SMJHL Draft as a member of the Season 77 SHL class.”

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*Keven* · 02-24-2024, 03:08 AM

Best of luck finding a spot on a team this season. It's definitely just an issue with roster space in the league right now and nothing to take personally. Hopefully this media will get you noticed!