Maryland Forward Smith makes NCAA DI Commitment

The Maryland Black Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Harrison Smith has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of St. Thomas in the NCHC.

Hailing from the Sunshine State, Smith will skate with the Tommies following his junior hockey career. Smith is coming off an offensively strong season, breaking organizational and league records in the process. The 5-foot-10 second-year veteran spotlighted a league-leading 96 points in the regular season, nearly producing two points per game in his 49 games played. Smith tallied 24 goals and recorded a league-leading 72 assists for the Black Bears. The Wellington, Florida, native routinely showed up on the scoresheet for Maryland, only having five contests in the regular season without a point. Smith was extremely effective on the man advantage, logging 34 of his points on the power play. In addition, the Sunshine State skater registered 32 multi-point games for Maryland in the regular season and notched an impressive +42 rating on the ice. The ‘06 forward recorded five game-winning markers for the East Division club in regular season play.

In the postseason, Smith was a catalyst for the Black Bears, helping his team to ultimately lift the Robertson Cup. In 10 postseason contests, Smith logged a record-breaking 24 points for Maryland, now holding the title for most points in postseason play in the League of Opportunity. In addition to the record, he tallied five goals and posted an impressive 19 assists. There was only one contest without a point from the veteran on the scoresheet. Maryland would go on to win the championship thanks to four-straight overtime victories, which were all thanks in large part to Smith's offensive work in the third frame of each contest.

Smith has been recognized on multiple occasions by the League of Opportunity. The Florida native, for the 2025-26 season, was named the Most Valuable Player, the Forward of the Year, recognized to the All-NAHL Team and to the All-East Division Team. In addition to the yearly awards, he was named an East Division Star of the Week twice this past season.

His play-making ability was evident in Smith's rookie season. The ‘06 forward recorded a point per game in 2024-25, logging 55 points in 55 games played. The 5-foot-11 righty scored nine goals and logged 46 assists with the East Division club. Three of his tallies were scored in deciding fashion while one was notched on the man advantage.

Just like his veteran season, Smith went home with some hardware in his 2024-25 campaign. He was named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team for his offensive work on the ice.

In his NAHL career, Smith has recorded 175 points in 114 games played as a Black Bear. Smith has logged 38 goals and a staggering 137 assists for the East Division Club.

Smith shares his excitement to join the Tommies.

“I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at the University of St. Thomas. I’d like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone else who has helped me along the way.”

Smith is one of 11 members of the Maryland Black Bears to make a Division I hockey college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list