LT Smith brings ANZAC values to AIHL

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All are values any AIHL team would be happy to have their players exemplify. For Cameron Smith of the Sydney Bears, they are the values that govern his working life as a Lieutenant in the Australian Army.
 
“They are good values for any person to have I think and for myself personally, I hope it makes me a better member of the Bears team and a respectable member of the Australian Defence Force when I step out on the ice,” Smith said.
 
You can add commitment to those values when it comes to LT Cameron Smith; who will be up at the crack of dawn on ANZAC Day for a traditional gunfire breakfast, before the dawn service at the Kapooka base in Wagga Wagga before spending the day instructing his platoon.
 
Getting up at dawn can prove challenging for people at the best of times, let alone in Smith’s case where he’ll play for the Bears on Sunday night, before heading back to Wagga Wagga in time for ANZAC Day. It shows Smith's commitment and dedication to the sport.
 
“I know my Army colleagues think I'm nuts and probably the guys on the Bears do as well," Smith joked. "I think though, they see commitment and dedication to the sport of ice hockey. I love it and that's why for me it's not that bad. I think if you love something enough you'll do what is required to make it happen.”
 
ANZAC Day means a great deal to LT Smith, who is a current serving member of the Australian Defence Force with family roots in both the Australian and Canadian services.

“I feel that the amount of respect the Australian public has for the ANZACs is tremendous and it is special to experience ANZAC Day as a current serving member," Smith said. "I think remembering those who have sacrificed their lives in all of our major conflicts for the luxuries and freedoms we have today should be celebrated.”
 
For Smith, it seemed unlikely that he’d be able to continue playing hockey when he enlisted, but through sheer desire to keep playing the sport he maintained his skills in local competitions when posted to Brisbane and Canberra. A chance email about the potential for ice hockey to become an association in the ADF saw Smith respond with enthusiasm.
 
“I responded and stated I'd do anything to make that happen," Smith said. "After a few months it did and now it is one of the best run sports associations in Defence.”
 
The inaugural ADFIHA Tri-Service Tournament that saw LT Smith suit up as a member of the Army Knights team and gave Sydney Bears head coach Ron Kuprowsky enough impetus to reach out to Smith about playing in the national competition. From not knowing if he’d get to continue playing the sport, Smith has now claimed a Wilson Cup win and is set to get a start in the AIHL.
 
“To bring it together and win was a testament to how good this team could be this year," Smith said. "We have some pretty special players on this team that are able to make big plays when it counts and that will carry us far this season.”

With Smith's level of commitment, his coach Ron Kuprowsky tips Smith to be a player to look out for this season, highlighting his skating ability, puck skills and strong work ethic. 

No doubt if he can show the same level of dedication he has to playing ice hockey, LT Smith will continue to exemplify the passion and commitment that the general public value and respect in our Defence Force personnel.