We are pleased to recognize Belle Smith as Innisfail’s Athlete of the Year. For a community that prides itself on athletics the way that Innisfail does, it is very special to recognize someone who was born and raised in our town and has gone on to compete at a national level.
Belle began her hockey career as an Innisfail Eaglet and is now on her way to play collegiate hockey for the 2023-24 season with the Lakeland Rustlers at Lakeland College. In between, Belle has done some incredible things.
Belle was named Innisfail Minor hockey Player of the Year in 2016, was part of the Innisfail Hawks team that played at the 2017 Softball Provincials and has represented our town at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
Earlier this month, her team, the U18AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs represented Alberta at the National Championships. They were the provincial champion for the 2022-23 season. This was Belle’s second season playing for the Chiefs, which is the highest level for female hockey in her age group, and they reached new heights when they won the provincial tournament.
Her head coach, Brett Wold, described in the following way – “Belle has been part of our program for the past two seasons. In these two seasons, she has helped grow this team off and on the ice into a championship team. Her commitment, positive attitude and leadership has had an immense impact on the culture in our dressing room. On the ice, she was integral in our championship game playing in all situations. Belle has left her legacy with the Chiefs and will always be a part of our team wherever life and hockey takes her.” Belle has also made it a priority to give back to the game of hockey as a coach and as an official with Innisfail Minor Hockey. Congrats to Belle on winning the Athlete of the Year award. We can’t wait to see what else Belle can accomplish!
