Ben Smith (San Jose Barracuda, AHL): Eagles in the Pros Update

AT BC: Ben Smith was a fan favorite during his four years at BC. Smith graduated in 2010, and served as an assist captain during his senior season. Smith played in every game as a freshman, and scored 3 game winning goals. He was named the most improved player at the end of his sophomore season, during which he scored 25 goals and recorded 25 assists. Smith recorded 5 points in the Frozen Four, where he earned All-Tournament honors. Smith recorded his first hat trick as a sophomore against BU. Smith also found success in the Frozen Four as a senior, scoring three goals and earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Smith scored the GWG in BC's championship win over Wisconsin. As a senior he also led all BC players with 5 GWGs.

The first goal in this video is Smith's NCAA game winner:

POST-BC: Smith was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 6th round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Most of his career has been split between the AHL Rockford IceHogs and the Blackhawks. Smith made his NHL debut on October 29, 2010, and scored his first NHL goal on April 8, 2011. Smith played in one post-season game during Chicago's 2013 championship season. He spent the entirety of the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons in the NHL, and recorded 26 points in 75 games during the Chicago's 2013-14 season. Smith was traded to the San Jose Sharks on March 2, 2015, and scored his first goal for the Sharks that same day. He recorded 5 points for San Jose during his 19 games playing for them at the end of the 2014-15 season.

THIS SEASON: Smith has played in only 6 San Jose Sharks games this season, following a difficult recovery from a concussion. Smith joined San Jose's AHL affiliate, the Barracuda, after being placed on waivers, and has been phenomenal since joining the team. Smith has scored 7 goals and recorded 2 assists in just 11 games with the Barracuda. Five of those goals and one of the two assists came in this past week alone, giving a good indication that Smith is finally shaking off the concussion symptoms. Two of Smith's points last week (a goal and an assist) were recorded in Coach Roy Sommer's AHL record 637th career win. If Smith continues at the pace he's set since returning to the AHL, we could see him back with the Sharks in no time.

Past Updates:

- Paul Carey, December 2015
- Stephen Gionta, December 2015
- Joe Whitney, November 2015