Odessa Forward Smith makes NCAA Commitment

Smith playing at the 2024 NA Showcase

The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Charlie Smith has committed to play NCAA hockey for Chatham University in the UCHC.

The 6’1 forward from Milford, Michigan is heading to skate with the Cougars this fall. Smith is a second-year skater for the Jackalopes. This past season the 21-year-old hit the ice for every game. He found the back of the net 14 times and featured a team-leading 30 assists. Four of his 14 goals were scored on the man advantage and his 44 total points rank him second on his roster. Last season, Smith laced up 58 games, tallying six goals and eight assists. His offensive prowess came in clutch at important moments of the games he played with two of his six goals being game-winning goals.

Prior to skating in the NAHL, Smith played in the T1ER with the Biggy Coffee 18U team. The Michigan native is an example of the ladder of development that the NAHL promotes. 

Smith will join Caden Pendo and Ian Norkevicus from the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the fall at Chatham University.

Head coach of the Jackalopes, Scott Deur, shares his excitement for Smith’s next step in his hockey playing career.

“We are excited for Charlie to further his playing career at Chatham University. Charlie was a leader on and off the ice for us the last two seasons. Chatham is getting a guy that can play in all situations and makes players around him better. We look forward to continuing to watch him grow and have success.”

Smith is one of five members of the Odessa Jackalopes to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list