Colton Smith joins Windsor Lancers

Windsor, ON – Things didn’t go exactly as planned for local hockey standout Colton Smith.

Colton Smith at practice Tuesday

After dominating the OJHL last season with the Leamington Flyers, where he led the league with 46 goals and 95 points in 55 games, Smith had committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Clarkson University but that plan changed.

“I ran into some problems with the NCAA,” Smith told Powerplay Sports. “Obviously there’s some bumps along the way, but I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to start playing again.”

Now, the talented winger is bringing his scoring touch back home, suiting up for the University of Windsor Lancers in the OUA. With the youngest team in the country, the Lancers finished just two points shy of first place in their division last season — and Smith is expected to make an immediate impact.

He’ll also benefit from the mentorship of former Windsor Spitfire Tim Findlay, now an assistant coach with the Lancers. Findlay scored 50 goals for the Spits during the 1995-96 season and played professionally — something Smith aspires to as well.

“He played pro, somewhere I want to get to,” said Smith. “Being able to learn from guys that have been around this league... they’re really going to help me out.”

For Smith, suiting up for the Lancers isn’t just another step in his hockey career — it’s a meaningful return to his roots, shaped by family history and long-standing local ties.

“I grew up here. It’s special to be here,” Smith said. “Hammer coached my dad back in the day, so I’m sure it’ll be a full-circle moment.”

🔜 Lancers Preseason Schedule Highlights

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Sept 13	Brock	St. Catharines	—
Sept 26	Guelph	Blenheim	7:30 PM
Sept 27	Guelph	Capri Rec Complex (Windsor)	4:00 PM
Oct 3	Michigan State	East Lansing, MI	6:00 PM
Oct 5	York (Home Opener)	Capri Rec Complex	4:00 PM