It would be quite a story.

The first native Texan drafted by the Dallas Stars goes on to be a star for the NHL team in his hometown.

With the offensive talent that Austin Smith possesses, that story may eventually be written.

For now though, the 24-year-old rookie is beginning his professional career with the Idaho Steelheads.

“It’s been great,” Smith said. “It’s definitely been a transition from college, but it’s been nice playing every couple of days and getting a lot of games in.”

If his pro career is anything like his college career, Smith will definitely be a player to watch.

Smith led the nation in goals scored (36) during his senior year at Colgate last season. He was one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given annually to the top player in college hockey.

Coach Brad Ralph said Smith has done a good job of going from being THE guy in college to a pro team that has several offensive threats.

“It’s not that he can’t be the big man on campus here, too, but it’s about fitting into the team and buying into what’s required and kind of doing all the little things his team needs him to do,” Ralph said. “And then you can still do your thing.”

And Smith’s thing is scoring goals. He came into Saturday’s game against Las Vegas with six goals and two assists in eight games. He added an assist in the third period, but the Wranglers won the contest 3-2 at CenturyLink Arena.

“When the puck’s on his stick, he’s a threat to score,” Ralph said.

Smith scored the game-winner in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Alaska, and followed that with a two-goal game in Friday’s 6-3 victory over Las Vegas.

All three of the goals were assisted by his linemate, Adrian Foster.

“I like playing with (Foster),” Smith said. “He’s smart and moves the puck well. He’s a guy that can make plays, and it’s nice playing with someone who can set you up.”

Smith recently earned a call-up to the Texas Stars, Idaho’s AHL affiliate. But he quickly learned that the team was loaded with forwards.

“I saw I wasn’t going to be playing very much there,” he said. “So I wanted to come back here, where I can get a lot of ice time. So this is where I want to be, I want to be where I’m going to play.”

If Ralph has his way, playing means improving. Smith’s offensive upside is without question, but he wants people to feel the same way about his defensive play.

“I think when I get my shot up (in the AHL), that’s going to be a huge aspect,” Smith said. “They’re going to want me to be able to take care of my own end. I don’t want them to say, ‘We can’t give him a shot because he can’t play defensively.’ ”

Ralph said it’s just a matter of time before Smith gets a real shot at the next level.

“Selfishly, I hope he stays here,” Ralph said. “But I’m sure he’s going to get another opportunity.”

GAME NOTES: The Wranglers built a 2-0 lead a little more than 5 minutes into the third period with an Adam Hughesman goal. … Vegas goalie Mitch O’Keefe (1-3-0) kept the Steelheads off the scoreboard until 9 minutes remained in the game and Kael Mouillierat scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season. Less than 4 minutes later, Idaho (11-5-2) tied it on a Jacob Cepis goal. … Judd Blackwater silenced the crowd by scoring the game-winner with 3:16 remaining. … Tyler Beskorowany (4-5-1) took the loss for Idaho, which outshot Las Vegas 35-24.

Chris Langrill: 377-6424