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Big Rapids Today
By the People, for the People
Big Rapids hockey senior finishes productive career
Aidan Smith had 13 goals last year and was around that mark again this season for the Big Rapids Cardinals hockey team.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:56am
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Aidan Smith, a senior forward on the Big Rapids hockey team, recently finished a strong season for the Cardinals. Smith was a productive goal scorer, netting around 13 goals this season after scoring 13 last year. He reflected on his 14-year hockey career, highlighting memorable moments like scoring two goals in a game at the Ewigleben Ice Arena and the thrill of playing in the 131 Cup game. Despite some midseason slumps, the Cardinals had a strong playoff run before narrowly losing in the regional title game.
Why it matters
High school sports, especially hockey, are an important part of the fabric of many small communities like Big Rapids. Smith's story exemplifies the dedication and passion that student-athletes bring to their teams, and the lasting impact their contributions can have on a program.
The details
As a senior forward, Aidan Smith was a productive goal scorer for the Big Rapids hockey team this season. He noted that he started the year better than the previous season and credited increased ice time and time in the gym for his strong start. Smith finished the year around the 13-goal mark, similar to his junior campaign. He said his approach was to take shots when he had the opportunity or look for rebounds. Despite some midseason slumps, the Cardinals had a good playoff run before narrowly losing in the regional title game.
- Aidan Smith played hockey for 14 seasons.
- Smith scored around 13 goals this season, similar to his 13-goal output last year.
- The Cardinals recently finished their season around the .500 mark.
The players
Aidan Smith
A senior forward on the Big Rapids hockey team who was a productive goal scorer, netting around 13 goals this season after scoring 13 last year.
Big Rapids Cardinals
The high school hockey team that Aidan Smith played for, which had a strong playoff run before narrowly losing in the regional title game.
What they’re saying
“We're good, everybody has to play together. Sometimes, we have to buy in, especially in the D zone. We have people sometimes trying to do a little too much here and there. We have to buy in and play our positions.”
— Aidan Smith, Senior forward
“I started off this season better than I did last year. Going (into the midseason break) I'm going to watch a lot of film and see what I can improve on and come back better.”
— Aidan Smith, Senior forward
“If I have a shot, I just take it or keep my stick on the ice and get some rebounds.”
— Aidan Smith, Senior forward
What’s next
The Big Rapids hockey team will look to build on their strong playoff run next season, as they lose key senior contributor Aidan Smith to graduation.
The takeaway
Aidan Smith's story highlights the dedication and passion that high school student-athletes bring to their teams, and the lasting impact they can have on a program even in a single season. His productive goal-scoring campaign was a key part of the Big Rapids Cardinals' successful season, demonstrating the important role that sports play in small communities.
