The Men’s Ice Hockey competition has finally begun at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and the first couple of games have been great to watch as both contests went down to the wire. For the Winnipeg Jets, they only have one prospect competing at the Games.
That prospect is former Jets’ 2018 third-round draft choice, Nathan Smith, who will be competing for Team U.S.A.
The U.S.A starts its quest for Olympic Gold tomorrow morning (February 10) at 7:00 a.m. central time with a matchup against the host country, China.
Winnipeg Jets prospect, Nathan Smith looks to get settled into action against heavy underdogs, China.
The United States comes into this game as the heavy favorites and many view this matchup as a good starting game for the young and inexperienced U.S. team to get some Olympic action under their belt before they face tough matchups against Canada and Germany.
Since media availability is limited at practices, there has been no indication of what line Smith is on. What we do know is that the U.S.A. faced off against Canada in a scrimmage two days ago which consisted of two twenty-minute periods. The sides were scoreless at the end of the “game” and the teams then decided to a three-on-three period that was not sudden death, meaning it was just an added-on period and the teams could score multiple times.
During the “overtime” period, the U.S. scored two goals and Smith scored one of the goals during the three-on-three action. According to U.S.A Hockey’s report of the scrimmage, Smith scored on a breakaway that was the product of a turnover.
Smith is heading into the Olympics as the joint leading scorer in the NCAA with Bobby Brink, who attends the University of Denver. Both players have 41 points on the season, although Smith has played in two more games than Brink. Smith’s stat line for Minnesota State is as follows: 28 games played, 15 goals, 26 assists, +23 plus/minus, 37 penalty minutes.
Where to Catch the Game
TV: USA Network
Livestream: NBC Sports App, Peacock, https://www.nbcolympics.com/
At the same time as Smith’s and U.S.A.’s game versus China, Germany and Canada will be facing off in the other Group A game at the other rink.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you predict that Nathan Smith will score on his Olympic Debut? Leave your comments below!