Ontario Junior Hockey League resident reporter Ron Valentine is profiling the team captains of The OJ this fall.

BY RON VALENTINE

GREG SMITH (Photo by Shawn Muir / OJHL Images) has had his share of ups and downs in the hockey world but the veteran centre was named Captain of the WHITBY FURY for this season.

Skating is the name of the game for Greg, who has played for the Wellington Dukes, Owen Sound Attack (OHL), the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) and then last season he came over from the Aurora Tigers to join the Fury.

He is being aided this season by three assistants, forward Shane Bull and defencemen Patrick Demaio and Amadeo Mastrangeli. 

Smith is helping to develop a new mindset this year for the Fury especially the carry-over players, he says, who were very disappointed in last season's non-playoff result. He likes to work with the club's rookies to help them see what the league is all about and what they have to do to be successful. He stresses hard work and the effort needed to compete every day especially in the tough East Division.

Shane Bull is a key player on this club, he notes, he can be a game changer with his scoring ability. He is entering his third season with the team. He is happy with the new players on the team. Goaltender Oliver Troop, the Nova Scotian, has experience in major junior with the Quebec Remparts. The club has a great 1-2 punch in net with him and Luke Pearson. Also back with the Fury for his final season of junior is Ian McKinnon. He will make a difference, says Greg.

Come to the rink with a purpose, says Greg and the results will come. He feels that, although some changes will still be made the team is in a good spot with everyone being very positive.

Hopefully, Greg will continue to have success after his junior career is over and he looks toward a U Sports spot and then playing professional hockey. 

Follow Ron Valentine on Twitter @ronandlynda