The Lone Star Brahmas return ten skaters for the 2020-21 season, including Joey Baez, Cole Beilke, Luke Burke, Jack Collins, Andrew DeCarlo, Mitchell Digby, Stefan Miklakos, Malcolm Palmer, Dylan Smith and Joey Trazzera. Brahmas media spoke to each player to learn about the abrupt end to the 2019-20 year, off-season activities and what they are looking forward to for the upcoming NAHL season.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — Dylan Smith knows what he has to do to be better than he was last year. Starting the 2019-20 season off with the NA3HL Texas Brahmas, the forward produced 12 points (5g-7a) in ten games played. He then was subsequently moved up to the Lone Star Brahmas, debuting as a rookie in the Oct. 18 game against the Amarillo Bulls. Smith battled hot and cold streaks throughout his rookie season, but the skater never stopped working. Keep reading to learn more about the Plainview, Ill. native.
Brahmas Media: How would you describe the 2019-20 season?
Dylan Smith: It was a great season. We had a great organization and group of coaches and players in the locker room and on the ice. It was unbelievable. It really made me a better player.
BM: What was it like when you heard the season was canceled?
DS: We had a meeting saying that it was a 50/50 chance that the season was going to be canceled, and then we found out for sure a few days later. I was mad and disappointed because we had the team to go all the way. I also felt bad for all of our age-outs that still didn’t have commitments. We had six games and the playoffs where they could have gotten looks. I was disappointed and angry at the same time.
BM: How have you been staying in-shape and motivated during the off-season?
DS: I was doing online, in-house workouts since everything was closed, and then when they opened back up, I went back to the gym and got on the ice more. It was great getting back into the normal routine.
BM: What is your mentality coming into the next season?
DS: I want to work harder to become a better player and be better than I was last year. I want to be able to help my team in other ways than I was able to last year. I want to be better.
BM: What is one part of your game that you’re confident in and one part of your game that you’re looking forward to working on this year?
DS: I’m looking forward to trying to create more space for my teammates and going to the net more, to make it easier for my teammates and myself. I feel like I’m pretty good at protecting the puck; I’m a bigger guy so I can do that and make more plays.
BM: What are you most excited about for this upcoming season?
DS: I can’t wait to get back together with the boys and playing together again. Also, playing in front of the fanbase and at NYTEX; it’s a great atmosphere.
Fast facts about Dylan Smith:
Height: 6’0
Weight: 185
Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
Hometown: Plainfield, IL
Favorite–
Movie: Miracle or Remember the Titans
Ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
Breakfast food: Eggs with hashbrowns and bacon
Hockey player: Jonathan Toews
Season: Winter
Dream job (besides hockey player): Firefighter
Superpower of choice: Flying
Dream vacation destination: Hawaii
Hidden talent: Very good at baseball
Best thing about living in North Richland Hills/playing at NYTEX: Everything is around us and the perfect weather/the atmosphere and fans
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.