Sharks first-round draft pick Will Smith has been making waves not only for his skills on the ice but also for his unique connection to pop culture. Born on March 17, 2005, Smith shares his name with the well-known actor and rapper, but it’s important to note that they are not related.

When Smith was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Sharks at the NHL Draft, he embraced his namesake’s legacy by walking up to the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song playing in the background. This lighthearted gesture showed Smith’s ability to lean into the bit and stand out from the crowd. At just 18 years old, he demonstrated a level of self-awareness that resonated with fans and commentators alike.

During an interview with ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Smith explained his choice of the walkup song, stating, “The name, I mean, I’m trying to own it, I love the song, too.” He acknowledged the inevitability of the association and embraced it with enthusiasm. To add to the fun, Kaplan asked Smith to rap the Fresh Prince song on camera, which he surprisingly obliged, displaying his good-natured attitude and willingness to engage with the fans.

While it’s clear that Smith has a sense of humor about his name, it’s important to clarify that he is not related to the famous actor and rapper, nor is he related to the Dodgers catcher with the same name. With William being a common first name and Smith a common surname, it’s simply a coincidence that they share the same name.

As for his background and education, Smith was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, and raised in the Boston area. He attended St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, Massachusetts, where he played prep hockey. He has committed to playing for Boston College, a renowned hockey program, indicating his dedication to developing his skills further.

Smith has spent the past two seasons with the U.S. National Development Team, which has helped refine not only his on-ice abilities but also his PR skills. This experience, combined with his remarkable talent, has positioned him as a highly regarded prospect for the NHL draft.

Physically, Smith possesses an impressive set of attributes that make him stand out on the ice. Standing at 184 cm (6 feet) and weighing 78 kg (172 lbs), he has the size and strength necessary to compete at a professional level. Additionally, he shoots right-handed, adding to his versatility as a player.

Looking at his recent stats, Smith’s impact on the ice becomes even more apparent. In the 2021-22 season, playing in the USHL for the U.S. National Development Team, he appeared in 36 games, recording 14 goals and 14 assists for a total of 28 points. Alongside his offensive contributions, he demonstrated his competitiveness andwillingness to battle for his team by accumulating 28 penalty minutes.

In the following season, 2022-23, Smith continued to impress with his performance. In 20 games for the U.S. National Development Team in the USHL, he elevated his game even further. Smith showcased his scoring ability by tallying 15 goals and 27 assists, significantly increasing his point production to a total of 42 points. His consistent offensive contributions and playmaking skills made him a valuable asset to his team.