By Seth Walters, griffinshockey.com

Givani Smith has made significant strides over the past couple of years since joining the pro ranks. After playing limited minutes with the Griffins as a rookie in 2018-19, Smith has developed into a key player who brings offense and physicality to Grand Rapids’ lineup this season.

The transition to professional hockey is never easy. For 21-year-old Givani, it was his older brother, Gemel Smith, and former teammate, Derek Hulak, who helped him along in the process.

Gemel, who is currently playing in the Tampa Bay Lightning system, is a significant role model for his younger sibling. When Smith received his first call up to Detroit in October, Gemel was the first to hear. Hulak, who spent the majority of last season with the Griffins and was teammates with Gemel in Texas from 2014-16, helped Givani adjust to life as a professional hockey player, both on and off the ice. Both of the Smith brothers were teammates with Hulak during their first pro seasons, which helped develop the connection between Derek and Givani.

Since being selected 46th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by Detroit, Smith has always had his eyes set on making it to the NHL. “It’s been my goal since day one...It’s a dream come true to be able to play (in the NHL).”

His dream came true on Oct. 25 when the Red Wings took on Buffalo. He later wrote in his Taking Flight – Powering Forward blog: “Seeing my jersey hung up, it was pretty surreal... I worked pretty much 10-plus years, more than that, since I was six years old playing hockey, 15-16 years, for this moment. Here I am. To see my jersey in its stall - it was just spectacular.”

In 21 games with Detroit this season, Smith has produced three points (2-1—3) and nine penalty minutes in 9:41 average ice time.

Last season as a rookie, Smith accumulated 13 points (6-7—13) in 64 games for Grand Rapids. This year, the power forward matched that output after just 16 games in a Griffins uniform. Points don’t tell the whole story, though, as a significant portion of Smith’s game comes from areas not described on the scoresheet.

The 6-foot-2, 210 pound forward uses his size and strength to establish the forecheck, win puck battles along the boards and serve as a physical presence on the ice.

“I know my role on the ice,” Smith said. “My style is being that tough and physical player who gets to the dirty areas of the ice.”

While in Grand Rapids, Smith also uses his large frame as a net-front player on the Griffins’ power play unit, which has climbed to seventh best in the AHL.

Smith views this current stint with the Griffins as a chance to improve his game while helping the Griffins push for their eighth consecutive Calder Cup Playoff berth.

“It’s pretty positive,” Smith said of his Feb. 11 reassignment to Grand Rapids. “I started my career here and my home’s here. It’s nice to come back and compete with my teammates again.”

The gritty forward recorded his first professional multi-goal game in the Griffins’ 5-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves last Saturday.

The first goal came off a rebound in front of the net, while the second was a showcase of stickhandling and playmaking in transition. After picking up the puck in his own zone, Smith made a nifty move to drop a defender to establish a 3-on-1. After a give-and-go with Michael Rasmussen, Smith deked the goalkeeper and backhanded one top shelf.

“I’ve been learning to make smart plays with the puck, finish plays off the rush, and use my shot more,” Smith said. “I’m working on the little things that can make my game even better than what it is.”

Red Wings fans have reason to be excited about Smith’s progression as an offensive threat and physical presence on the ice. In the midst of a rebuilding process in the organization, Smith stands as a bright spot for the future of the club.

Photo at top by Sam Iannamico/Griffins