Gemel Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gemel Smith |
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Smith with the Texas Stars in 2015
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| Born | April 16, 1994 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | ||
| Weight | 194 lb (88 kg; 13 st 12 lb) | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Shoots | Left | ||
| AHL team Former teams |
Bridgeport Islanders Dallas Stars Boston Bruins Tampa Bay Lightning Detroit Red Wings Dinamo Minsk Kunlun Red Star |
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| NHL Draft | 104th overall, 2012 Dallas Stars |
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| Playing career | 2014–present | ||
Gemel Smith (born April 16, 1994) is a professional ice hockey player from Canada. He plays as a forward for the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League (AHL). Gemel has also played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The Dallas Stars picked him in the 2012 NHL Draft.
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Playing Career: From Youth to the NHL
Gemel Smith started playing youth hockey with the Markham Majors. He then played for the North York Rangers. In 2010, the Owen Sound Attack picked him in the OHL Priority Selection. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is a major junior league for young players. In his first season with the Attack, he scored 16 points in 66 games.
After playing in the OHL, Gemel signed his first professional contract with the Dallas Stars in 2014. He started his professional career in the 2014–15 AHL season with the Texas Stars. This team is the Dallas Stars' minor league affiliate in the AHL. As a rookie, he scored 10 goals and 27 points in 68 games.
Making it to the NHL
During the 2016–17 NHL season, many players on the Dallas Stars got injured. This gave Gemel Smith a chance to play in the NHL. He played his first NHL game on October 22, 2016. In his seventh game, on November 6, 2016, he scored his first two NHL goals against the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a big moment for him!
The Stars signed Gemel again in 2017 and 2018. In the 2017–18 NHL season, he played 46 games and scored 11 points. Sometimes, he was a healthy scratch, meaning he didn't play even though he wasn't injured.
Moving to New Teams
In December 2018, the Boston Bruins picked up Gemel from the Stars. He played three games for Boston. Then, he was sent to their AHL team, the Providence Bruins. He played very well there, scoring 40 points in 47 games.
After that, Gemel became a free agent. He signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in July 2019. He was even called up to join the Lightning for their training camp before the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In 2022, after winning two championships with the Lightning, Gemel was picked up by the Detroit Red Wings. He played a few games for them. Later that year, the Lightning picked him back up again.
Recent Seasons and KHL Experience
For the 2022–23 AHL season, Gemel stayed with the Lightning's AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch. He was one of their top scorers. Later, he was loaned to the Henderson Silver Knights, another AHL team.
In 2023, Gemel decided to play hockey in Europe. He signed a contract with HC Dinamo Minsk in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League). The KHL is a big league in Europe and Asia. After playing 15 games there, he moved to another KHL team, Kunlun Red Star in China.
In October 2024, Gemel returned to North America and signed a tryout contract with the Syracuse Crunch again. After a short time, he signed a tryout with the Bridgeport Islanders in December 2024.
Personal Life
Gemel Smith's parents are both from Jamaica. His younger brother, Givani Smith, is also a professional ice hockey player. Givani was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2016 and now plays for the Colorado Avalanche.
During the 2018–19 NHL season, Gemel faced some personal challenges. He talked about having symptoms similar to depression and trouble sleeping. While playing for the Boston Bruins, his teammate Patrice Bergeron suggested he get help. Gemel bravely sought support to feel better.
