Sometimes it's interesting to know how athletes got into their respective sport. Was it the traditional "the ball was put into my hands at a young age" line athletes like to use or a non-traditional route.
Jalen Smereck was basically born into the game of hockey. His father coached his two older brothers and it wasn't long - at the age of 2, he said - that he was hooked.
Nineteen years later, Smereck is an undrafted prospect and one of many prospects to participate in the Coyotes' recent developmental camp at Gila River Arena. He's on a three-year entry-level contract with the team -- $686,000 for the next two seasons according to capfriendly.