Breckenridge native, Tigers alum Theriault taking game to junior level with NA3HL’s Bighorns, starting with 2023-24 campaign

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Finn Theriault grew up in the Colorado mountains and advanced his game each season, even coming down to Colorado Springs for a spell.

Next season, the Breckenridge native will take the junior hockey route after recently signing an NA3HL tender with the Helena Bighorns.

“The opportunity to sign with Helena came during my last year of 18U hockey in Colorado Springs (with the Tigers),” Theriault said. “After having an injury-plagued season, the CSAHA director and GM of Helena, Mike Greene, who’s been seeing me play for the three previous years, believed in my skill and talent and gave me the opportunity to sign a tender with the Bighorns as a Tier III option for the 2023-24 season.

“It’s extremely excited to be able to continue my path in hockey. Obviously, anyone who makes the decision to pursue junior hockey has goals and aspirations to play NCAA and pro hockey, which is something I’m chasing as well, but I’m also extremely blessed and honored to continue to play the sport I love and to continue to compete at a high level and be the best I can be.”

Theriault said he did his research on the NA3HL and liked what he found out about the league.

“From what I’ve heard and have seen, the NA3 is a good developmental league in Tier III,” said Theriault.

“I think it has a lot of bright spots and a lot of good talent in it and I think as time moves on, it will continue to grow into a big powerhouse junior league. I’m excited to be a part of the Bighorns organization as I know that they are a talented squad and a team that’s always in the run- ning for a Fraser Cup. I’m a big fan of how the NA3 is an affiliate with the North American Hockey League and how many guys can get callups to Tier II and get seen by many NCAA Division III schools, so I believe that it’s a great opportunity for me and that options and paths will be put in front of me if I’m playing my best.

“I think it’s something that I will enjoy every day.”

Growing up, Theriault started skating at the age of two and playing hockey at the age of four, playing for the Summit Lightning all the way until his 14U year. He also played with the Mountain Militia and for Summit High School his freshman year when he chose to venture to the AAA realm with the Tigers.

“When I decided to make the jump to play AAA hockey, I chose to billet and play in Colorado Springs for the Tigers since I had friends and connections on that team,” Theriault said. “Eventually, I met new friends and teammates who are my friends for life. I stayed playing for the Tigers because of that family aspect the program promoted. I’ve had many coaches who have pushed me to be better and have had a big impact on my life. Chris Miller and Joey Otsuka for Summit are two coaches that impacted me as a hockey player and as a person. A big coach from back home in Breckenridge who continues to push me to be better is Dan Autenreith, a skills and developmental coach/advisor in Breckenridge working with many kids in the game up here to develop and find their potential. I’m one of the kids he’s been working with me for many years and is a big reason for my passion and See THERIAULT on 12

Continued from Page 3 worked his way up to the old Nevada Storm teams and finishing off with the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights his junior and senior years of high school.

“Some of the coaches that have always been there for me and helped me from Day 1 would be Kenny Brooks and Jordan Van Son,” Smejkal said. “Another positive influence was Scott Allegrini. They’ve always given me advice and helped me along the way.”

At the end of the 2019-20 season, Smejkal was named the recipient of the Mark Workman Scholarship, an award given to a current high school senior in the Jr. Golden Knights program who best exemplifies passion, sportsmanship, team play, work ethic, discipline, community service and academic achievement.

Workman was a scout for the

NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Receiving this award means so much to me,” said Smejkal at the time. “I’m happy to represent the Jr. Golden Knights and see youth hockey in Las Vegas continuing to expand. Getting the Mark Workman Scholarship is a huge honor and a very humbling experience for me.”

Smejkal went on to play junior hockey for the NA3HL’s Northeast Generals, SIJHL’s Wisconsin Lumberjacks and GMHL’s Windsor Aces. Going forward, Smejkal has lofty aspirations, on and off the ice.

“I want to play hockey as long as possible and continue developing within the game,” said Smejkal. “It’s something I love to do and something that excites me every single day. Obviously, I want to get my degree as well, and I think I’m in an environment at Anna Maria to accomplish both of those goals.”