Inferno Interview - Kenton Smith

30th Oct 2012 | Posted by The Inferno

We've had a few weeks without an interview but this week they are back and next up we have Kenton Smith. It's taken us almost two years for to get the interview with Kenton due to his apparent hate for social media but we finally tracked him down face to face and got it sorted.

Kenton at 33 years old seems to have settled in Cardiff with this being his 3rd season with the Devils. Prior to playing in Cardiff he's also played for the Manchester Phoenix in the league.

Looking back over Kenton's long career, he's played in some top teams and played with some big names from within the league and worldwide.

Kenton has a wealth of experience from WHL through to ECHL and a call up to the AHL. When we looked  at his stats we couldn’t help but notice that he even produced more than some of the top forwards in the Elite league a few seasons ago.

We spoke to Kenton to look back at the highlights of his career, his future and what it feels like to have his brother on the same team.

The Inferno (IF) - Who do you think is the best D man you have played on a line with and against?

Kenton Smith (KS) -The Best D man I played with was Craig Weller for obvious reasons the fans saw what he could do. He could go end to end and put it in the net or crush some guys head in. Best player against back in my junior days was Brad Stuart, obviously played in the NHL for numerous years there is a reason for that, solid D man, knows how to play the game and that’s why he’s where he is.

IF - How do the fans in the UK, and specifically Cardiff, compare to fans in North America?

KS - Fans in Cardiff are so passionate about the game and the team, a little crazy at times which is fun. It gets me pumped up when I see a big crowd out there cheering for us, it makes me go a that little extra to keep them entertained. Compared to North America, fans here are more passionate about sport here than NA fans.

IF - Which one current player in the British leagues (Brit or import) would you like to have playing with you in Cardiff?

KS - Playing against him for the last 3-4 years it would be Jeff Legue for an import. He sees the ice well, works hard, a bit of grit for his size, sticks up for himself, his team mates and that’s the kind of player I like to play with, a guy who sees something happen and gets right in there no questions asked to help a team mate.

IF - If you had to pick one part of your game you would improve, what would it be and why? What do you consider the strongest part of your game?

KS - I always start off slow. During the season, it normally takes a month to find my stride and think this year it’s been a little harder, I don’t know why but maybe I’m getting older but it’s one part of my game I want to work on if I can. Maybe be a bit more physical. I’m not the biggest guy but I could be involved a bit more which will happen. I felt last weekend, I played more to my ability which is the first time all year so hope I can do that. Strongest part is definitely not my shot, I think I’m a hard worker. I was taught by my father, work hard, good things will happen. I’m just trying to do that every day, every practice, try and do them extra little things.

IF - How do you find it playing on the same team as your bro. Does it help to know someone so well being on the ice with you or is he more like a team mate?

KS - Well we don’t play well together. Don’t know what the guys doing out there haha! I’ve said this before but it’s great to be playing with my brother. Growing up playing hockey, I was gone at 16, I didn’t get to spend much time. From 16-30 with him as I was always in the states in the summer or in Calgary I was never really with him. I love playing with him and seeing him every day. It’s great to play catch up with him.

We’re still brothers but we get on each others nerves!

IF - Where should the league focus future development?

KS - I think they made a good step with the conferences. Our conference is full of arena teams throwing money around to get certain players. I think it brings the better product to the UK instead of playing an inept team instead of 6 times but play a really good team 8 times. It’s better for the fans and it’s better for us, it keeps us on our toes and think the Elite league did well there.

IF - What was the single best non hockey related aspect of living in Cardiff ('it being a great city, y’ know' isn't an answer)

KS - Pretty much since day 1 I’ve loved Cardiff. I love the city, I love the people. Obviously I’ve met a Welsh girl. I want to spend the rest of my life here if I can with her and like to play hockey for a few more years. I’m actually at Cardiff and Vale college trade school doing carpentary/joinery. This is something I’ve loved to do so was ideal to take advantage and do this.

IF - Do you follow an NHL team?

KS - Oilers fan for my sins. Should be really good for the future. Lockout wise, I’ve not really followed it but hopefully they settle it. Guys are coming to Europe taking guys jobs, I don’t think it’s right as we’re trying to make a living here and keep the dream alive ourselves so those guys coming over make it a little more difficult.

IF - How off putting to players is the Big Blue Tent? Has this ever cost us a signing to your knowledge?

KS - I love it. I don’t think it’s cost us any signings really. It’s an atmosphere and I love it. Sometimes the ice can be sketchy but it’s great.

IF - After you hang up your skates, what do you see yourself doing? Will you stay in hockey or take advantage of your degree to pursue other employment?

KS - I’m doing carpentry/joinery so hopefully something with this. I wouldn’t say no to staying with hockey in some capacity. I run a hockey school in the states over the summer for kids which I love doing. If I could do something like this year, I would love to do that. Teach kids what I was taught and give something back to the hockey community.

IF -You’ve got a day off, what are you doing? What’s the ideal day outside of “work”?

KS - This year my days off have been spent at school sort of 9-4 most days. Real days off are painting my house but that’s taking some time. I didn’t think it would be that hard but holy crap it is! Any other spare times, I like to go to the movies, walk around town, get out and about and don’t spend too much time in bed.

IF - Are you one for superstitions and rituals pre-game? If you are would you comfortable telling us what they might be?

KS - There’s too many to count. I’ve probably got about 50. Um sure I always tape my blade 24 times around. It’s something I’ve done all my career. There’s too many, we would be here all night.

IF - What’s the Best arena you’ve played in for atmosphere and where’s the worst?

KS - Best would probably be Calgary. At playoffs there were 17k people there. We were about to win the championship and that’s the best arena I’ve played in and best moment for me in hockey winning a championship. Worse has to be Whitley Bay- the dark rink. Big overhang over one side, the mesh on another.

IF - Anything else you would like to add?

KS - Thanks to the fans for supporting us. Without you, we wouldn’t be here. We appreciate all the support you give us and sticking by us through the rough times and the good times. Hopefully more good times than rough.