SPOKANE, Wash. / CALGARY — Spokane Chiefs defenseman Ty Smith has been announced as the WHL On The Run Player of the Week for the week ending February 25. He piled up three goals and seven assists along with a +12 rating in four games as the Chiefs went 3-1-0-0 and moved within one point of second place in the U.S. Division.

The week was highlighted by a seven-point (2G-5A) performance against Prince George on Friday, Feb. 23, setting a new Chiefs franchise record for points by a defenseman in a single game. The previous mark was six points, reached twice a month apart by Mike Berger and Keith Van Rooyan in 1986.

Smith, a 17-year-old from Lloydminster, Alberta, is having a breakout season with the Chiefs, solidifying his position as a potential first round choice in this summer’s 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He is highly regarded by all available draft projections, including 14th overall in the most recent NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound blueliner has reached career highs in all offensive categories, including goals (13), assists (55), points (68) and plus/minus (+45). Among WHL defenseman, he ranks first with four game-winning goals and second in assists, points and plus/minus.

With 10 games remaining in the Chiefs’ regular season schedule, Smith sits at seventh in franchise history for single season-scoring by a defenseman. He is the sixth Spokane rearguard to reach the 65-point mark, joining Brenden Kichton (three times, including franchise-record 85 points in 2012-13), Bryan McCabe, Mike Berger, Sean Gillam and Jon Klemm. He is eight assists away from tying the single-season franchise record for a defenseman (Kichton; 63).

Smith is the second Chief to earn WHL Player of the Week honors this season, joining Kailer Yamamoto (January 28).

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The Chiefs remain on the road for back-to-back games this weekend, taking on the Tri-City Americans in Kennewick on Friday followed by a trip to Kelowna to face the Rockets on Saturday. Both games will start at 7:05 p.m. with the radio pre-game show beginning at 6:30. Mike Boyle will have the call on 1510 KGA NW Sports Talk on Friday and 94.1 The Bear FM on Saturday.

Spokane next returns home on Saturday, March 10 for Coca-Cola Kailer Yamamoto Bobblehead Giveaway Night at Spokane Arena! The first 2,000 fans through the gates and all full season ticket holders will receive a bobblehead of the Edmonton Oilers first round pick and Spokane native. Tickets for the game – and all Chiefs home games – are available in-person at the Chiefs’ Ticket Office, over the phone at 509-535-PUCK and online at spokanechiefs.com.