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Player's Profile

Picture Courtesy of bceagles.cstv.com

  • Name: Ben Smith
  • Position: RW
  • Shoots: Right
  • Height: 5-11
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1988-07-11
  • Eligible for Draft: 2008
  • Drafted: 2008
  • Hometown: Avon, Connecticut
  • Acquired: 6th round (169th overall), 2008
  • Playing In: Pro

Ben Smith

Prospect Grade: 6.5 B  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2006-07 season: When Brian Boyle (LA) moved back to play defense this season, no Eagles player took more advantage of the situation than Ben Smith. As he earned his way up to the top line, his team reaped the benefits. The Avon, CT native led Boston College in rookie scoring with 18 points (ten goals, eight assists) playing in all 42 games this season. Of his ten goals, six came on the power play. Smith's excellent season earned him Boston College's Bernie Burke Award as the Most Outstanding Freshman.

2007-08: Smith made significant progress during his sophomore season at Boston College, as he went from being a fourth-line forward to a top-line center. Not only did he play alongside Hobey Baker Award finalist Nathan Gerbe, but his 25 goals and 50 points were second and third on the team, respectively. Smith was named to Hockey East’s All-Academic Team for the second year in a row and shared the James E. Tiernan Award with Pat Gannon as one of the team’s most improved players.

2008-09: Smith's production dropped during his junior season as Boston College struggled as a team. He scored just 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 37 games.

2009-10: In his senior season at BC, Smith helped lead the Eagles to a National Championship with 16 goals, 21 assists for 37 points in 42 games. He was named the Frozen Four MVP after scoring 3 goals and 1 assist in the final two victories of the season. He joined the AHL's Rockford IceHogs at the end of the year, skating in 3 playoff games with 1 goal.

2010-11: Smith earned Rockford's Rookie of the Year Award with 19 goals, 12 assists for 31 points in 63 games. He was called up to Chicago and played in six regular season games with 1 goal. It was in the playoffs for Chicago where Smith began to make a name for himself, registering 3 goals during the team's 7-game series loss to Vancouver. He scored the overtime game-winner on Roberto Luongo in game six to help the Blackhawks extend the series to seven games.

Talent Analysis

Smith has a nose for the net and makes the most of his scoring opportunities. However, he can be just as effective as a playmaker. Smith’s offensive skills make him a valuable weapon on the power play.  

Boston College assistant coach Greg Brown's 2007 comments on Smith: "When Ben came in the biggest hurdle was the adjustment to the speed of college hockey. He worked very hard at getting up to speed and he's become fundamentally sound. Ben really understands the game and how things happen out there. We're excited about the potential of what he's going to be able to do for us next year."

Future

Smith is penciled into a bottom six role for his first full season with the Blackhawks in 2011-12, but could see more time in Rockford.

Stats

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Profile Last Updated: August, 23rd 2011

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