TORONTO — Ottawa 67's forward Bobby Smith, considered by many as the top junior hockey player in Canada, says he's prepared to forego his final year of junior eligibilty to pursue his hockey career in the World Hockey Association.

Smith could be one of several under age juniors who might go with the WHA.

Smith indicated his interest in the WHA in answer to reports that player agent Norm Caplan was on the verge of completing a multi-year deal in excess of half a million dollars for Smith with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association.

“I've signed nothing. There's nothing concrete. Caplan and Kaminsky have talked to me but they are not my agents. 1 haven't got an agent yet . . . Maybe I should get one now. No pro team has contacted me either,” said Smith. “But, I would seriously consider any good offer.

“I like the idea of being the first player selected in next year's National Hockey League's draft but you never know what might happen next year.”

Caplan, and his partner Art Kaminsky, a New York City tax expert, have held several meetings with Smith. Caplan talked to Smith during the Kingston-Ottawa OHA semi-final and Kaminsky attended the Memorial Cup in Vancouver. Kaminsky initially contacted Smith during the Christmas break at the Western Canada invitational junior tournament.

Smith said the agents have suggested to him that several under-age juniors could be headed to WHA teams which will be included in the merger with the National Hockey League.

Smith said he won't make any kind of commitment until the Ken Linseman situation is cleared up. Caplan negotiated a five-year WHA contract for him with Birmingham Bulls calling for $500,000 plus a $60,000 signing bonus. Linseman, a flashy centre with Kingston Canadians, also has a year of junior eligibility remaining. The deal was signed last February but announced only last week.

At the same time the Bulls attempted to sign Linseman's team-mate, Tony McKegney, also 18 and with a year of junior left. His offer was believed to be better than Linseman's. McKegney's agent. Al Eagleson, flatly rejected the offer.

McKegney was tied for third in the OHA scoring race with Smith.

WHA chairman Ben Haskin has said Linseman's contract will not be approved by the league and the WHA strongly opposes teams signing under-age juniors.

He said the same thing two years ago when New England Whalers signed Gord Roberts from the Western Canada Hockey League. Roberts, now one of the better defencemen in the WHA, is eligible for this year's pro draft but has three years remaining on his five year contract with New England.

Ottawa coach Brian Kilrea said he knew nothing about the proposal. “I only hope it's not true,” he said.

By Tom Casey
Citizen staff writer