Some players have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. It is a sixth sense of knowing where the puck is going before it gets there. Quinn Smith of Madison West has that sixth sense. He has led Madison West in points each of his three seasons with the Regents.

As a freshman he had 31 points in 22 games. As a sophomore he had 46 points in 24 games, and this season he has 55 points in 22 games. Following his sophomore season, Quinn was named Big 8 All Conference and WHCA All State.

Quinn’s success extends beyond the WIAA. This fall he played for Team Wisconsin U18 and led the team in points during the regular season in the prestigious Elite League.

“Quinn is a joy to coach. He works hard 200 feet and is very coachable. He strives to get better every time he steps on ice. Quinn has a high hockey IQ, can shoot the puck, and can fly on the ice. He plays on the defensive side of the puck and battles in the hard areas of the rink. He is just scratching the surface on his ability!” Mike Schwengler, head coach, Team Wisconsin U18.

“Quinn does so many of the little things well. He is an electric skater and that helps him create space to make plays. As a leader we can see Quinn developing the emotional responses that help teammates believe in themselves and the team. One thing that helps Quinn is his ability to pick up new skills. We worked on a drive drill in Thursday’s practice and Friday he used it in a game for a scoring chance.” Steve Libert, head coach, Madison West

“Quinn understands the whole game, not just his parts. He has a feel for what should be happening in all three zones. He feels personally responsible no matter what the result is. He has internal standards that allow for his consistent effort.” Brad Byce, coach, Team Wisconsin

Let’s meet Quinn Smith!

When did you start playing hockey? Age 4.

Where did you play youth hockey? Madison West Polar Caps.

What is your favorite youth hockey memory? Winning the state tournament as a bantam…we beat Stevens Point in the championship. Another memory is that season we went to Minnesota and played some great competition.

You played this fall in the Elite League…how was that experience? It was awesome! It was super fun and high-level hockey. It was really competitive.

Who were the players on your line? I mostly played on a line with either Matt Richter, Will McDonald or Carsen Gause.

Depending on the team, you play center or wing. Which position do you prefer? For TW I played right wing and at West I play center. Growing up I played center. I prefer center. I like to take faceoffs and it is more of a 200-foot game.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? Yes, my Dad played for West & Whitewater and my older brother Easton played high school.

What is your pregame ritual? I like to stickhandle and visualize scoring goals. My preferred pregame meal is mac & cheese and a strawberry smoothie from Panera.

What hockey skill do you have that separates you from the competition? My hockey intelligence and my ability to read the game.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? Patrice Bergeron or Charlie Coyle. I am not a Bruins fan but love those players. I am a Blackhawks fan.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My Mom and Dad for all the support and always having my back. In terms of hockey, it is my Dad because he has coached me my entire life.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you want to meet? Michael Jackson. He was super talented and cool. I think he would be an interesting person to have a conversation with and ask about his life.

What is the plan for hockey after HS? I am not completely sure. The hope is I can play juniors somewhere next year. I have another year of high school if I do not play junior hockey next season. I am keeping my options open.

What is your dream college to play for? Wisconsin Badgers. I grew up a Badgers fan living in Madison.

What do you want to do for a career? Something in sports. Trainer, coach, something in sports.

Do you play any other sports? I play golf for West. Water sports like wakeboarding and water skiing.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? I like to spend time with friends. I currently have a job at a restaurant bussing tables.

What is your favorite food? A big cheeseburger.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? Rap or hip hop. Drake or Travis Scott. I also like country music. Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.

Where is your dream vacation? Bahamas. Somewhere with warm water!

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Ferrari.

Final thoughts? I want to shout out to all my teammates the ‘West Boys’! Also, I want to thank all my coaches, plus my Mom and Dad and family for all the support.