Amarillo Defenseman Smith makes NCAA Commitment

Photo Credit: Lauren Corea

The Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Cru Smith has committed to play NCAA hockey for St. Norbert College in the NCHA.

The 6-foot-1 defenseman from Brighton, Michigan, Smith will join the five-time Division III National Champion Green Knights this upcoming fall. This past season, Smith played in 48 games for the Wranglers, securing 14 points from the blue line. The ‘05 skater scored four goals and made 10 assists for Amarillo in his final season of junior hockey. The lefty started his year with the Lone Star Brahmas, playing three games with the South Division team.

Smith has previous experience playing in the League of Opportunity, specifically the South Division. He played with the Corpus Christi IceRays and Colorado Grit between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

The Michigan native joins a program that is known for winning and making postseason runs. Someone who has experience of winning the national championship title in the Amarillo Wranglers organization is Michael Hill, the head coach of the Wranglers. The former Green Knight won the national championship trophy with St. Norbert in 2014.

Smith is one of five members of the Amarillo Wranglers to make a college ice hockey commitment this season.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list