Man of the Week: Jeremy Smith
KHL.ru’s weekly column goes on with Jeremy Smith. The Kunlun Red Star goalie celebrated his 50th KHL win last week, further confirming his place as one of the best players in the history of the franchise.
Jeremy Smith, the seasoned goaltender for Kunlun Red Star, recently celebrated a significant milestone by securing his 50th career victory in the league as the Dragons defeated Vityaz in extra time (3:2 OT). This achievement further underscores his role in the team’s ongoing pursuit of a playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Just as in other seasons, Smith has been a cornerstone for Kunlun Red Star, appearing in 28 games this season. He posted a goals-against average of 3.01 and a save percentage of 91.2%, recording 13 wins, 12 defeats, and three OT losses. Over 1,495 minutes of ice time, he has faced 857 shots, making 782 saves and allowing 75 goals. These statistics place him among the top goalies in the league, despite the Dragons being far from the top of the standings.
Kunlun Red Star’s playoff pursuit
The Dragons are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. They are currently positioned just outside the playoff threshold. The team’s recent form has been encouraging, highlighted by a 2:0 victory over Barys Astana, where Smith earned his 10th shutout with the club and in the league. Smith's experience and leadership are invaluable assets as the team strives to secure a postseason place.
Early Years and North American career
Born on April 13, 1989, in Dearborn, Michigan, Jeremy Smith developed his goaltending skills in the competitive North American junior hockey system. He spent most of his junior career with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, then he was selected 54th overall by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Smith's professional career in North America was marked by significant achievements in the AHL. During the 2014-2015 season with the Providence Bruins, he finished fourth in the league with a GAA of 2.05 and third with a save percentage of .933, showcasing his potential as a top-tier goaltender.
Despite his impressive AHL performances, opportunities in the NHL were limited. Smith appeared in only 10 NHL games – all with the Colorado Avalanche in 2016-2017, recording a 3.54 GAA and an 88.9% save percentage.
Transition to the KHL and international experience
In pursuit of greater opportunities, Smith transitioned to the KHL, joining Kunlun Red Star. Since his arrival, he has been a steadfast presence in goal, demonstrating remarkable consistency and commitment. Moreover, he also joined Team China as the Dragons were the base team for the Chinese effort for the 2022 home Olympics.
Jeremy Smith’s career expanded to the international ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, when he acquired Chinese citizenship to represent the host nation. In the tournament, he played all three group stage games, facing an average of 47 shots per game against top-tier teams like Canada, the U.S., and Germany. Despite China’s struggles, including a 0-3 record and 16 goals conceded, Smith posted an impressive 89.6% save percentage, often keeping his team competitive against overwhelming odds.
Over his KHL career, Smith has accumulated 50 wins, reflecting his significant contribution to the team’s performance. His loyalty to Kunlun Red Star is evident, as he has become a central figure in the team’s efforts to establish itself within the league. And now, they have a chance to return to the elimination stage after seven consecutive seasons of falling short.
