Arizona Coyotes Goalie Mike Smith Almost Didn’t Play In IIHF

By William Grigsby | May 21, 2015

Arizona Coyotes Goalie Mike Smith Reveals He Almost Decided Against Playing In The IIHF World Championship

Mike Smith had just finished his worst season of his career, and was invited to play goal for the Canadian team in the IIHF World Championship. Part of him said, “I’ve already won a gold medal with the Olympics (even if I didn’t get into a game), so I really don’t need to do this.” And then another part of him said,” I really need to work some more on my game, so maybe I should play… besides another gold medal is not a bad thing.”

This go around Smitty started and won eight out of the ten games (all won by Team Canada), and was rewarded with a gold medal.

"“The Olympic stage is obviously a lot different, but for me, to be honest, it’s more rewarding this time around just because I had more to do with it than in Sochi,” Smith said. “To be in the net for the majority of the games and to really have something to hang my hat on as far as winning, it definitely will hold a special place in my heart for a long time.”"

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Smith also gained some needed confidence with his excellent play. His 1.50 GAA put him second amongst his peers in the tournament, as well as his .930 save percentage put him in third in that category. In the three medal rounds his numbers were even more impressive: two shutouts and 58 saves on 59 shots.

Showing he has a better self image he added:

"“It reiterates that I’m a pretty good goalie,” Smith said. “It’s been a tough year mentally on me. Physically, I got a good handle on that, but I think mentally, going into the summer knowing that I’ve played some pretty good hockey now for three months or so, I think it’s important.”"

The Canadians were able to end an eight year drought without winning a gold medal. They dominated throughout by outscoring their opponents 66-15. You knew they were pumped up to win the tournament when in the final gold medal game they only allowed the Russians a measly 12 shots on goal. This Russian team included the likes of Alex Overchin, and Evgeni Malkin too.

After the celebration and gold medal ceremony Smith had time to reflect:

"“I put a mediocre season to rest,” Smith said. “It was nice to finish a not very good season with a very good ending to the season and to go into the summer feeling good about my game again and winning. It feels good to win.”"

We as Arizona Coyotes fans can only look at this experience Smitty had as a positive reinforcement he needed to get his head on straight and get back to the level of play he exhibited when he signed that HUGE contract. Let’s not have a repeat of the Mike Ribeiro fiasco, which is not helping the financial standing of the team.

If we can get the Smitty back we all knew as one of the best net-minders in the NHL, then we have a shot at making the playoffs next season. Isn’t that what it’s all about Coyotes’ fans?

Next: Mike Smith Through The Years

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