Native of Porcupine Plain named WHL Defenceman of the Year finalist

Apr 9, 2026 | 2:58 PM

Everett Silvertips defenceman, Tarin Smith, has been nominated for a major award.

The Porcupine Plain, Sask. native is up for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, which goes annually to the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Defenceman of the Year.

Smith, the captain of the Silvertips, was an over a point-per-game player this season, registering 16 goals and 55 assists (71 points) in just 65 games. His 55 helpers had him tied for second in the league among blueliners this year.

During the season, he wrote his name in the Everett record books when he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer among defencemen, with his 175th point back in mid-March.

Standing at 6’2 and 190 pounds, Smith is on the NHL trajectory, having already been drafted by the Anaheim Ducks back in 2024 (3rd round, 79th overall).

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Born in 2006, the now 20-year-old spent some time in Melfort for two minor league hockey seasons with the North East Wolfpack (2019/20 and 2020/21) before heading to the WHL.

Smith was originally drafted by the Silvertips in 2021 (1st round, 20th overall), suiting up for 208 regular-season contests since, producing 41 goals and 135 assists (176 points). Not only is he the club’s captain this year, but he was an assistant captain during the 2024/25 campaign as well.

The Northeast local will have to wait and see if he’s named the winner, as the WHL will be announcing the league-wide award recipients from April 21 through May 6.

Smith’s fellow teammate and Landon Dupont is also a Defenceman of the Year finalist. The Silvertips begin their second round of the WHL playoffs Friday night, when they play host to the visiting Kelowna Rockets.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Native of Porcupine Plain named WHL Defenceman of the Year finalist

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