The Deseronto Bulldogs have added a significant piece to their lineup, acquiring veteran forward Ryan Smith from the Tamworth Sabres.
Smith arrives in Deseronto following a productive 2025-26 season with Tamworth, where he recorded four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 16 games.
But his value to the Bulldogs goes well beyond last season’s numbers.
Smith brings an extensive hockey background that has taken him through junior hockey, major junior and the university ranks.
The Quinte Red Devils product began his junior career with the Trenton Golden Hawks, appearing in 42 games during the 2015-16 season. That year, Smith was part of a Golden Hawks team that captured both the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions and the Dudley Hewitt Cup, earning a trip to the RBC Cup national championship.
From there, Smith spent time in Junior B with the Thorold Blackhawks before making the jump to major junior. He suited up with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL before continuing his career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL.
Smith later returned to Junior B with the Niagara Falls Canucks before coming back to the OJHL for his final season of junior hockey.
That final year came with the Wellington Dukes, where Smith served as captain during the 2019-20 season and recorded seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 43 games.
Following his junior career, Smith spent four seasons with Royal Military College in Kingston, competing at the U SPORTS level. He wore an “A” for RMC during the 2024-25 season.
Smith returned to competitive hockey with Tamworth last season and quickly showed he could still contribute offensively, producing at a point-per-game pace with 16 points in 16 appearances.
Now, he joins a deep Deseronto Bulldogs roster that will be looking to make a serious run this season.
For Deseronto, Smith adds another proven offensive option, but perhaps more importantly, he brings years of experience from several different levels of the game.
He has played on championship teams, experienced major junior hockey, captained an OJHL club and spent four seasons at the university level.
That kind of résumé could prove valuable for a Bulldogs team with high expectations.
With Smith now in the fold, Deseronto adds another experienced piece to what is shaping up to be a deep roster heading into the new season.