Shane Smith Commits to RPI
Smith is yet another huge WHL recruiting win that can score in droves
Shane Smith’s late April commitment to RPI is big for the program in nearly every way. It’s the cherry on top to an absolutely outstanding recruiting class put together by the staff, one that has earned commitments from six 4-star or better recruits. After the surprise departure of Tyler Wallace, RPI needed another big body in the top 9, and they’re getting just that in Smith. Smith is a big, physical power forward with an excellent shot. He has a knack for the net, which culminated in 33 goals this year in the WHL. Shane brings a lot of junior hockey experience, and his combination of size and skill should be exactly what the Engineer offense needs. Not only is he very talented, but Shane also won the 2026 WHL Humanitarian of the Year, showing that he is an extremely high character kid to add to the program.
Elite Scoring Ability
Smith can absolutely rip it. I could sit here describing it, or you can just see it for yourself in this video.
In all seriousness, RPI’s forward group is littered with playmakers, but it badly needed a guy that can bury chances. Last year’s team really lacked players with this skillset, and Wallace’s departure only made matters worse. Gavin, Hadland, and Yurchuk are all pass first players, which makes Smith’s role really necessary and easy to define. Smith was the missing cog in the wheel, and his scoring and physicality should sew this unit together nicely.
Smith’s offensive game isn’t only about his wrist shot though, he has a genuine willingness to go to the most contested ice and score greasy goals. In the WHL, he excelled on the powerplay nearly everywhere. He has the size and physicality to play in front of the crease but has stick skill to go with it that allows him to play on the half wall and score on a one-timer.
High Compete and Physical Tools
Smith plays a very well-rounded game, which makes me confident that he’ll be a standout college player. I think his forechecking is really good and he consistently hunts pucks in the offensive zone. Despite having a college ready frame at 6’2 and 205 lbs., Smith has above average speed too. He’s not necessarily going to win a foot race, but he can really use his speed off the rush and to get into high percentage scoring areas.
I don’t think there is anything more frustrating than a big-bodied player that doesn’t use his physicality. Smith isn’t an enforcer by any means, but he certainly uses his force to push guys off of pucks and win battles along the boards. This physicality is what really pushes his game over the top, as the combination of speed, size, and shooting makes his offense a lot to handle.
Smith’s game is so well-rounded that there are nearly no weaknesses to clean up. At times his defensive game lacks a little intensity, and he lacks explosive skating, but those are nitpicking. Shane might not be an all-league type at RPI, but he projects as a very, very dependable top 6 guy for RPI.
2026 WHL Humanitarian of the Year
I’d be remiss not to give Shane his credit for the work he has done off the ice. This graphic is from his nomination, but Shane was actually selected as the recipient of the award this spring. Smith’s niece suffers from CMV, so Shane donated $25 to the Canadian CMV Foundation for every point he scored in the 2025-26 campaign. His contributions have been truly incredible and are a testament to the character he possesses.
Smith brings an incredibly well-rounded game to RPI and has a real knack for the net. Shane can play center, but with RPI’s wealth of centreman, I expect him to start on the 3rd line LW. Congratulations to Shane and his family, and we look forward to seeing him in Troy soon!