SBOTD Presents: Brendan Smith, Detroit Red Wings Defenceman

Posted March 8, 2013 by Colleen Grimes in SPORTS BABE OF THE DAY

Sports Babe of the Day Presents: Brendan Smith, Detroit Red Wings, @bssmith7 on Twitter!

Since being drafted in the first round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2007, Mimico native Brendan Smith has had the opportunity to play for the Red Wings in 14 games last season, scoring one goal and six assists and quickly became a fan favorite in Detroit after a fight with Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks.

This season, he has one assist and his plus-minus is plus-six, averaging 20 minutes per game with the Redwings and 5 goals, 10 assists with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
Prior to signing with the Redwings, Brendan spent three years playing for the University of Wisconsin, and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2010.

Brendan’s parents, Lester and Deidre Smith spend a lot of time watching sports together as all three of their children are playing in the big leagues. Brendan’s younger brother Reilly Smith, 21 is with the Dallas Stars and older brother Rory, 26 is an all-star defensive specialist for the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League.

Growing up with all three Smith brothers in Mimico, Ontario— I had a chance to catch up with Brendan for my first SBOTD entry!

16 Questions with Brendan Smith

1. What sport, other than hockey, would you have liked to play professionally?

I would have liked to play professional lacrosse with my older brother Rory Smith (Colorado mammoth)

2. At what age did you start playing hockey? Who had the biggest impact on your decision to go pro?

I started playing hockey at age 4. My father had the biggest impact on my decisions to go pro.

3. What do you think the biggest challenge will be of playing in a shortened season?

The biggest challenge would be to stay healthy because there are so many games in such a short amount of time. The main thing is to eat well and get a lot of rest to keep my body healthy.

4. What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Pasta and chicken

5. Who was your favorite NHL player growing up?

Bobby Orr and Brendan Shannahan

6. Where and how are you most likely to spend the off-season?

Working toward finishing my degree in Wisconsin as well as spending time at home in Toronto with my parents in MIMICO, Ontario

7. Where is your favorite place to play on the road? Why?

Chicago because the fans are unreal and I love the rivalry between the Wings and the Hawks

8. What is the most played track on your iPod?

Lately it’s been Thrift Shop by Mackelmore

9. What is your favorite line from your favorite movie?

“I’m sorry. I’m not sorry. Okay? I’m not gonna apologize, I’m a cocksman! – Wedding crashers

10. Who is your favorite player in the NLL? (besides your brother)

Dangerous Dan Dawson

11. Who were mom and dad cheering for when you faced off against brother Reilly Smith for the first time?

I’m going to say it was mutual for the most part but I do think they wanted Reilly to score. My grandfather was for sure cheering for Reilly a bit more.