Wallaceburg’s Kaelen Smith drafted 14th overall in the Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League Draft

Wallaceburg’s Kaelen Smith was drafted 14th overall over the weekend by the St. Catharines Athletics in the 2022 Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League Draft.

The 16-year-old told the Sydenham Current that being drafted was a dream come true.

“Hearing my name called and being selected in the Junior ‘A’ Draft has been a dream of mine ever since I started playing lacrosse when I was six-years-old,” Smith said.

“I have been very fortunate ever since I was young to be surrounded by very talented lacrosse players in my life that I had the opportunity to grow up watching them play ‘A’ ball and professional level lacrosse.”

Smith added: “There are so many people that I have to be thankful for in helping me get to this point and that have been incredibly influential throughout my minor lacrosse career. They taught me to never give up on my dreams, to always strive to be better than I was the day before and to always have a stick in my hand.”

Going into the draft, Smith said he wasn’t sure what the results would be.

“With the last two seasons of lacrosse being limited as a result of COVID, I was unsure of what this draft was going to have in store for me seeing as the exposure was far less than it typically would be for many players out our way,” he said.

“Therefore going in to the recent draft, I was not sure what to expect. I had received a few calls from Junior ‘A’ clubs in the week leading up to the draft expressing possible interest, however I was cautiously optimistic as things can quickly change come draft day.”

Smith added: “When I heard my name called as St Catharines’ first pick in the draft, it was a very surreal experience. Getting drafted helped me understand and realize just how far I have come as a player and that with dedication and time there’s no telling what is possible for me in the future with my lacrosse career.”

Smith said he’s looking forward to suiting up for the Athletics.

“I am beyond excited to be given this opportunity and look forward to get out running with St Catharines this weekend,” he said.

Smith’s hometown club, the Wallaceburg Griffins, shared their excitement for Smith on social media.

“Congrats Hopper on being drafted to Junior ‘A’. Your Griffin family is extremely proud!,” Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association officials posted.

The Sydenham Current featured Smith in an article back in 2017, when he was 11-years-old, after he was selected to take part in the Evolve Elite Field Lacrosse Program. Read the article, here.

The Athletics will start training camp on March 5, 2022.

For more details on the Junior ‘A’ club, visit their website, here.

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