Former GB junior among latest recruits to join Murrayfield Racers

Chad Smith, pictured in action for GB, has joined Murrayfield Racers. Pic: Duncan Speirs

A former Great Britain junior internationalist is among the latest recruits to join Murrayfield Racers.

Chad Smith will add Elite League experience to the roster, having made more than 150 appearances for Fife Flyers and Glasgow Clan.

The 21-year-old was part of the Flyers side that won the Gardiner Conference title and reached the EIHL play-off semi-finals in 2017/18.

He has also featured regularly for GB at U18 and U20 level over the past few years, playing in four World Championship tournaments.

He twice collected bronze medals during his time with GB, while his most notable individual achievement on the national stage came in Estonia in 2019 as he bagged a hat-trick in a comprehensive victory over South Korea.

Smith, who spent the latter part of last season with Glasgow, says he is looking forward to making his mark with the Racers next term.

“I just really felt that it was time to start enjoying hockey again and play a vital role in a team,” he said. “I was getting too used to smaller minutes and began to lose love for the game.

“I thought going to a team with such high ambitions and with a coach as well-known and respected in the game as Tony Hand was a no-brainer for me.

“I’m hoping this year we can win everything. I’m coming to the Racers with every confidence we can do well in the NIHL North Cup as well as the SNL."

Another new arrival at Murrayfield is promising defenceman Aiden Paterson, who has been attracting interest from senior clubs across Scotland following impressive spells with Lanarkshire Lightning and Fife Falcons at junior level.

The young blueliner’s form has seen him called up to represent his country at Conference level, highlighting his future potential.

Racers have also confirmed another two returnees with D-man Dean Walker signing up for his third season with the club, while forward Lewis Gold is also on board for the new campaign after weighing in with 10 goals and 22 assists in 26 appearances in all competitions last term.