Trevor Smith

2006-07 Season: May 1, 2007: Trevor Smith went 1-2-3 in 8 games played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of April. Smith decided to forego his last two seasons at the University of New Hampshire after he was highly courted by Islanders GM Garth Snow. After signing an ATO with the Sound Tigers following his college season, he made his AHL debut on April 1, 2007 in a 4-2 win vs. the Albany River Rats. Smith recorded his first career AHL point, an assist, in his third game played - a 4-3 Bridgeport shootout win vs. the Providence Bruins on April 6, 2007. He tallied his first career AHL goal in the next game, a shootout loss in Albany on April 7, 2007. GM Snow stated the Islanders had Smith rated as the top unsigned college prospect available and that he believes bringing in Smith would alleviate some of the loss of trading prospects Ryan O'Marra and Robert Nilsson.

2006-07 Highlights:

HE
* Named first star with 2 goals and an assist in 6-3 win vs. Northeastern Huskies November 3, 2006.
* Named first star with a goal and an assist in 3-1 win at Northeastern Huskies November 4, 2006.
* Named third star with an assist in 4-0 win vs. UMass-Lowell RiverHawks November 18, 2006.
* Named second star with a goal and an assist in 6-3 win at Boston College Eagles November 23, 2006.
* Named first star with 2 goals(PP) and an assist in 7-1 win at Vermont Catamounts January 5, 2007.
* Named first star with a goal(PP) and an assist in 5-1 win vs. Massachusetts January 19, 2007.
* Named second star with a goal(GW) in 3-1 win vs. Merrimack Warriors February 9, 2007.
* Named second star with 2 goals(1 PP) in 3-3 tie at Boston University Terriers February 18, 2007.

AHL
* Named third star with a goal in 3-2 SO loss at Albany River Rats April 7, 2007.

2005-06 HE Highlights

* Named first star with 2 goals in 7-4 win at Boston University Terriers February 17, 2006.
* Named first star with 2 goals(GW) in 4-1 win vs. Providence Friars February 27, 2006.

Isles Sign Up & Coming College Prospect

April 2, 2007: UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team has decided to forego his last two seasons as a Wildcat to sign a two-year contract with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. Smith was then assigned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, where he signed an amateur tryout contract (ATO) for the remainder of the 06-07 season and playoffs.

He played in his first professional game yesterday (April 1) and registered three shots on goal wearing #45 in a 4-2 win over Albany in Bridgeport, Conn at the Arena at HarborYard.

He had a breakout sophomore season recording a career-high 43 points (21g, 22a) in 39 games helping UNH to its sixth regular-season title in school history and its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Smith, who led the Wildcats in points and goals, was the first UNH player in school history to be named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star. He ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and his 32 points in 27 league games was second best among league skaters.

He had posted a point in 26 of 39 games for the ‘Cats with 12 multi-point efforts on the season. Smith notched a point in 10 of the first 11 games of the season with 21 points (11g, 10a) in that time, which included a career-high four points against Colorado College on Oct. 21.

"On the list of available college players, Trevor was right at the top," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Our scouts watched him regularly throughout the season. Besides his obvious skills, one of the other things they loved about Trevor's game is that he is always around the puck. The Islanders are very happy Trevor made the decision to join our organization."

In his two seasons at New Hampshire, the 22-year old Smith played in 77 games, scoring 31 goals and adding 32 assists for 63 points and 73 penalty minutes. Prior to college, the North Vancouver native played for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League. In his one season at Omaha, Smith was 29-39-68 in 60 games.

islesinfo.com comment: If he can translate the skills he shows below in these videos then the Islanders have a pretty nice find. Was waiting to see if the Islanders jumped into the collegiate free agency market with the season basically over except for the Frozen Four next weekend. Still interestingly, the Islanders have not signed Notre Dame D Wes O'Neill, who plays a position the organization could use even if he is sent to Bridgeport.

Video - Trevor Smith scores vs. BC in Hockey East Championship Mar. 17, 2007
Video - Trevor Smith scores vs. BU Feb. 16, 2007
Video - Trevor Smith scores a PPG vs. UMASS Jan. 19, 2007
Video - Trevor Smith scores a PPG vs. Vermont Jan. 5, 2007
Video - Trevor Smith scores a 2nd PPG vs. Vermont Jan. 5, 2007

TREVOR SMITH NAMED RBK SECOND-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN
unhwildcats.com, Apr. 6, 2007

ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team was named a Division I RBK Second-Team All-American on Friday night as chosen by the American Hockey Coaches Association at the Frozen Four in St. Louis, Mo.

Smith was one of seven Hockey East players to earn All-America honors this season and he is the 24th player in school history to earn the All-America distinction. Smith, who is the 30th All-American in Wildcat hockey history, becomes only the third player in school history to earn All-America honors as a sophomore. In the last five seasons, Smith is the sixth Wildcat to earn the honor, which also includes Brian Yandle (2005, 2006), Sean Collins (2005), Steve Saviano (2004), Lanny Gare (2003) and Mike Ayers (2003).

He recently signed a two-year professional contract with the New York Islanders of the NHL foregoing his last two seasons in Durham. Smith played in his first professional game on Sunday for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. He has played in three games for the Sound Tigers and has recorded one assist since joining the team on Sunday, April 1st.

Smith had a breakout sophomore season recording a career-high 43 points (21g, 22a) in 39 games helping UNH to its sixth regular-season title in school history and its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

He led the Wildcats in points and goals and was the first UNH player in school history to be named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star as a sophomore. He ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and his 32 points in 27 league games was second best among league skaters. Smith was also the recipient of the Paul Hines Award as New England’s Most Improved Player and earned All-New England honors in 06-07.

Smith had posted a point in 26 of 39 games for the ‘Cats with 12 multi-point efforts on the season. Smith notched a point in 10 of the first 11 games of the season with 21 points (11g, 10a) in that time, which included a career-high four points against Colorado College on Oct. 21.

TREVOR SMITH NAMED TO NEW ENGLAND ALL-STAR TEAM
unhwildcats.com, Apr. 3, 2007

BOSTON – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team was one of 12 players named to the New England All-Star Team by the New England Hockey Writers Association on Tuesday afternoon. The banquet to honor the All-Stars will be held on Wednesday, April 11 at the Prince Restaurant in Saugus, Mass. (6 p.m.).
He recently signed a two-year professional contract with the New York Islanders of the NHL foregoing his last two seasons in Durham. Smith played in his first professional game on Sunday for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.
Smith had a breakout sophomore season recording a career-high 43 points (21g, 22a) in 39 games helping UNH to its sixth regular-season title in school history and its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
He led the Wildcats in points and goals and was the first UNH player in school history to be named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star. He ranked fourth in the conference in scoring and his 32 points in 27 league games was second best among league skaters.
Smith had posted a point in 26 of 39 games for the ‘Cats with 12 multi-point efforts on the season. Smith notched a point in 10 of the first 11 games of the season with 21 points (11g, 10a) in that time, which included a career-high four points against Colorado College on Oct. 21.

UNH's top scorer signs with Isles
by Allen Lessels, unionleader.com, Apr. 2, 2007

The University of New Hampshire men's hockey team took a major hit yesterday when sophomore center Trevor Smith signed to play professional hockey in the New York Islanders organization.

Smith, who opted to pass up his final two years of collegiate eligibility, played his first pro game with the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a 4-2 win over the Albany River Rats.

"It's a different style of play," Smith said last night. "It's a matter of making plays and getting it in deep and working the corners. Guys are older, stronger. It's a bit of an adjustment, but I feel I can adapt."

A 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of North Vancouver, Smith led the Wildcats in scoring this season with 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points in 39 games. Those figures more than doubled the 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points he had as a freshman.

There had been talk during the season that professional scouts, particularly impressed with his hockey sense and hands, were interested in signing Smith. He had not been drafted and thus was a free agent.

The deal with the Islanders developed quickly, said Smith, who on Wednesday had said there was nothing on the table to discuss as far as turning pro and that he intended to be back with UNH.

"We talked to them and then sat down as a family with our advisor and went over it," he said. "It's every kid's dream to play professional hockey and the opportunity was there for me. We looked at the organization and talked to Garth Snow (the Islanders' GM and a former University of Maine goalie). I felt after talking to him it was a great fit for me. . . . We went for it and I'm excited."

He talked to Snow on the phone Friday and made his decision and then contract negotiations went back and forth, he said.

Chris O'Sullivan, an Islander scout and former Boston University player, picked Smith up in Durham at 2 p.m. on Saturday and drove him to Long Island, where he watched the Islanders play the Ottawa Senators. Then he was driven up to Bridgeport for his first pro game.

Smith took three shots but did not figure in the scoring in yesterday's win, which snapped a four-game losing streak.

Bridgeport, which is chasing a playoff berth, has seven regular season games remaining and plays at Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

When the season ends, Smith said, he wants to return to Durham to finish up the academic semester and he said he also plans to get a UNH degree down the road.

Smith's signing marks the second consecutive season that the Wildcats have lost an underclassman. Last spring, Daniel Winnik signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, passing up his senior season.

Smith, with sophomore Jerry Pollastarone on his left and junior Matt Fornataro on his right, led what was listed as UNH's No. 2 line but was its most productive unit. Fornataro was second on the team in scoring with 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points.

The line was especially potent in the first half of the season as UNH, which won Hockey East's regular season championship, opened up a large lead in the standings.

Smith had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in the team's first 20 games. In the last 19, he had seven goals and six assists for 13 points.

Now, he said, it's time for the pros.

"It was a tough decision," he said. "UNH was a great place. It was an awesome time, an awesome group of guys, not to mention the campus. It's a great atmosphere and they put on a pretty good show and it's lots of fun. I spent my two years, now I'm just moving on."

Smith leaves UNH hockey for pros
by Al Pike, fosters.com, Apr. 2, 2007

DURHAM — Less than a week after saying he was still a UNH Wildcat amid speculation that he was going to leave school early to turn pro, Trevor Smith is now an ex-UNH Wildcat.
Smith signed an amateur tryout contract with the New York Islanders and Sunday made his debut with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League -- an Islanders' affiliate -- that signified the official end of his college career with the University of New Hampshire hockey team after two seasons.
Smith, an undrafted free agent, becomes the second UNH player in two years to leave school early. Daniel Winnik departed shortly after the 2005-06 season to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes with one year of eligibility remaining.
"It's a huge decision," Smith said shortly after playing in the Sound Tigers' 4-2 win over the Albany River Rats. "I love playing at UNH and I'll miss the boys on the team. It's a tough place to leave. But when I sat down with my family and my adviser I came to the decision that I want to be a professional hockey player."
Smith, who resides in North Vancouver, British Columbia, led the Wildcats in scoring this season with 21 goals and 43 points to more than double his production as a freshman when he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists.
He centered UNH's potent second line that also included wings Matt Fornataro and Jerry Pollastrone. All three had career years this season. Smith led the team with six power-play goals. With his departure, the Wildcats will enter next season minus three of their top five scorers.
"UNH was one of the best things for me," Smith said. "It was an awesome experience. It's something I'll remember forever."
An all-Hockey East first-team selection, Smith also becomes the fifth Wildcat to sign an amateur tryout contract since the end of the season, joining seniors Jacob Micflikier, Brett Hemingway, Josh Ciocco and Chris Murray.
Smith registered three shots on goal Sunday in the Sound Tigers' victory over Albany as they moved into a tie with the River Rats for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division of the AHL.
Smith said he hadn't been on the ice since UNH lost to Miami University, 2-1, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament a week ago Saturday. He didn't even have the benefit of a pregame skate before suiting up for the Sound Tigers, who don't play again until Wednesday.
"I got some decent ice time," Smith said. "I've got to get my legs back a little bit. They put me on the second power play. I was a little jittery. The game is a little different. I'm not used to the style of play. This is professional hockey. These guys are men. They're big and strong."
Smith finished his career at UNH with 63 points in 78 games on 31 goals and 32 assists. He was part of a potent offense that ranked near the top nationally in scoring all season. He said he expects to finish the season in Bridgeport, then report to training camp in September.
Smith said he arrived at his decision to move on after discussions with his family, his adviser and Islanders' General Manager Garth Snow, a former NHL goaltender who played collegiately at the University of Maine.
"It came up real quick," Smith said. "We talked about it and they made an offer. It's a great opportunity to be part of this organization. I'm looking forward to being part of the future."
UNH coach Dick Umile said last week that one of the pitfalls of competing at a high level and recruiting elite players is that they might leave early. When asked last week if he was considering leaving UNH, Smith said nothing was imminent.
"I feel I'm ready," Smith said. "I wouldn't have made the decision to go if I wasn't 100 percent confident that I can play at this level and make an impact."

Smith leaves UNH hockey to turn pro
by Roger Brown, seacoastonline.com, Apr. 2, 2007

Trevor Smith, the University of New Hampshire hockey team's leading scorer last season, has played his last collegiate game in a UNH uniform.

Smith signed an amateur tryout contract with the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers earlier this week and made his professional debut in Bridgeport's 4-2 victory over Albany on Sunday. Bridgeport is a New York Islanders affiliate.

"It came up real fast," Smith said. "I heard there may be some (professional) interest earlier this year, but I didn't want to hear any talk about it during the season. The New York Islanders called late in the week. I talked it over with my family and I just felt it was a good opportunity for me."

Smith, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound center, collected 21 goals and 22 assists in 39 games for UNH last season. He led the team in goals, points and power-play goals (six).

Smith, who was not drafted, said he finalized his decision after speaking with Islanders general manager Garth Snow, who was a goaltender at the University of Maine. Smith said he signed a two-year deal Saturday.

"The Maine-UNH rivalry came up a few times during that conversation," Smith said. "I talked it over with (UNH coach Dick Umile) and he was definitely pushing for me to come back (to school), but after I told him I had made my decision he was real supportive and wished me luck. He wanted it to be my decision, not anybody else's. I'm sure my relationship with him will continue for a long time."

Attempts to reach Umile on Sunday night were unsuccessful.

UNH lost to Miami University in the NCAA tournament's Northeast Regional last weekend. The Wildcats completed their season with a 26-11-2 record.

Smith, who was not drafted, spent two seasons with UNH. He had 10 goals and 10 assists during his freshman season.

Four other UNH players €" forward Josh Ciocco, forward Brett Hemingway, forward Jacob Micflikier and defenseman Chris Murray €" turned professional earlier this week. Each of the four had completed their senior season at UNH.

"Like I said, it came up real fast," Smith said. "At this time last week all I was thinking about was the loss to Miami.

"It's a difficult decision to make because you're leaving your best friends. I just felt it was time to move on."

Smith continues Wildcat exodus
Sophomore the latest UNH skater to turn pro
by David D'Onofrio, concordmonitor.com, Apr. 2, 2007

Their college careers concluded, three seniors from the University of New Hampshire hockey team wasted little time last week signing contracts with teams in the American Hockey League.

And now an underclassman has followed suit.

Trevor Smith, fresh off a sophomore campaign in which he finished second in the Hockey East scoring race, inked an amateur tryout offer and skated with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers yesterday. He was scoreless in the Connecticut club's 4-2 victory, but did have three shots on goal while wearing a new No. 45 sweater that signaled the end of his days in Durham.

Talk of Smith's departure had been swirling since the 'Cats dropped a 2-1 decision to Miami University in the first round of the NCAA Northeast Regional, but amid the rumors he acknowledged he'd taken on a family adviser. In hockey, those representatives work as unpaid agents for amateurs, typically with the expectation they'll become full-fledged agents when a contract is signed.

Smith denied his pro intentions in published reports until it became official, but as an undrafted 22-year-old who was essentially a free agent, it made sense he would be a hot commodity for professional suitors.

As a freshman at UNH, Smith started slowly, scoring four points in his first 17 skates, but found his stride in a stretch that saw him score 16 points in 18 games. That carried into his sophomore season, when Smith racked up 18 points in his first nine contests, and capped the regular season with 40 points.

Only Boston College's Brian Boyle had more marks among conference players. Smith earned first-team all-Hockey East honors, then added two goals and an assist in the league tournament while skating on the second line alongside Matt Fornataro and Jerry Pollastrone.

That brought him to 21 goals and 43 points for the season, as well as 31 tallies and 53 points for his two-year career. And that, officially, is how it will end.

NO. 5 RANKED MEN'S HOCKEY HEADS TO GARDEN WITH 6-0 VICTORY OVER PROVIDENCE
unhwildcats.com, Mar. 9, 2007

Including Fortney, six Wildcats recorded multiple points. Chris Murray (Dover, Mass.) matched his career high of three points with a goal and two assists. Jacob Micflikier (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Mike Radja (Yorkville, Ill.) both recorded two assists while Trevor Smith (N. Vancouver, British Columbia) and Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) each tallied a goal and an assist.
Fortney added a pair of goals in the second period at 2:55 and 7:44, while Smith gave UNH a 5-0 lead at 13:14 of the middle stanza to cap the Wildcats’ three-goal second period. Smith was charging toward the Friar net down the side of the right circle and tipped the Jerry Pollastrone (Revere, Mass.) centering pass from the right half board into the net.
Fornataro, with the assistance of Murray and Smith, closed the scoring at 13:58. UNH finished the game 3-for-6 on the power play while PC was 0-for-7. The Wildcats were outshot for the second straight night, with Providence holding a 42-24 advantage.

NO. 3 RANKED MEN'S HOCKEY TIES UP NO. 6 BOSTON U., 3-3
unhwildcats.com, Feb. 17, 2007

BOSTON – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith ( North Vancouver , B.C.) netted two goals for the No. 3 ranked University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team as they tied No. 6 ranked Boston University , 3-3, in Hockey East action on Saturday night at Agganis Arena.
The Wildcats now own a 22-6-2 overall record and a 17-4-2 in Hockey East play while the Terriers hold a 17-5-9, 12-4-8 in conference play.
Smith gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead on a power play goal, late into the first period marking his 18^th on the season. Brad Flaishans ( Glendale , Ariz. ) took the initial shot from the right point which bounced off BU goalie John Curry giving the Wildcats a loose rebound in the crease where Smith was able to beat Curry blocker side. Jerry Pollastrone ( Revere , Mass. ) was credited with the assist.
Smith advanced UNH’s lead to 2-0 with a one timer over the shoulder of Curry. Pollastrone took the puck up the boards passing it to Smith in the slot. Smith has had 10 multi-point games this season. Matt Fornataro (Calgary Alb.) was credited with the secondary assist.

NO. 2 MEN'S HOCKEY UPENDS MASSACHUSETTS, 5-1
unhwildcats.com, Jan. 19, 2007

DURHAM, N.H. – Trevor Smith (N. Vancouver, British Columbia), Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) and Brad Flaishans (Glendale, Ariz.) each recorded a goal and an assist to lead the second-ranked University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team to Friday night’s 5-1 Hockey East victory against the University of Massachusetts at the Whittemore Center.
New Hampshire netted goals 87 seconds apart in the first period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Smith gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal at 11:52. Murray initiated the scoring sequence with a pass from the defensive zone through the neutral zone along the right dashers. Fornataro lunged to sweep the puck from the right point to the slot, where Smith charged on to the loose puck, shifted to the forehand and tucked a low shot inside the left post.
New Hampshire once again struck with two quick goals – this time 2:47 apart – to built a 4-1 lead after two periods. Bobby Butler (Marlboro, Mass.) extended the advantage to 3-1 at 15:20 when he collected Murray’s pass in the right circle, pulled up to evade a defenseman and then tucked a shot inside the right post; Regan’s outlet pass to Murray began the play. Fornataro, with a shot from the left circle inside the near post, gave the ‘Cats a three-goal cushion at 18:07 after collecting Smith’s pass from the slot.

TREVOR SMITH NAMED HOCKEY EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
unhwildcats.com, Jan. 8, 2007

WAKEFIELD, Mass.– Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team earned CCM/RBK Hockey East Player of the Week honors on Monday afternoon.
Smith, who won the award for the second time this season, totaled four points (3g, 1a) with a +2 rating last week in two wins over #15 ranked Vermont at Gutterson Fieldhouse this past weekend. He registered a three-point effort (2g, 1a) in the 7-1 victory on Friday night and also added a goal in the 2-1 win on Saturday. He registered a team-high 10 shots on goal against the Catamounts in two games.
He leads the Wildcats roster in points with 30 and his 14 goals are tied for a team best along with Mike Radja. Smith leads Hockey East in scoring and in league games his 22 points are best among conference skaters. His 1.50 points per game ranks tied for eighth natonally, while his 0.70 goals per game rank ninth among Division I players.
Smith has already surpassed his 20 points and 10 goals from his freshman campaign. He has posted a point in 15 of 20 games this year with nine multi-point efforts to his credit. He  has recorded six points in the last three games.

NO. 4 MEN'S HOCKEY ROLLS OVER VERMONT, 7-1
unhwildcats.com, Jan. 5, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) and senior forward Brett Hemingway (Surrey, B.C.) each registered two goals to pace the No. 4 University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team to a 7-1 victory against the No. 15 ranked University of Vermont on Friday night at a soldout Gutterson FieldHouse in Hockey East action.
The Wildcats improve their record to 15-3-1 on the season, including a 11-1-1 in conference play, while Vermont drops to 11-7-1 (6-3-1 HE) with the loss.
The Wildcats started the game off strong as they outshot Vermont 11-3 in the opening period and 12-6 in the second. Vermont only managed two shots in the final period. The first seven shots taken by the Wildcats resulted in three goals. Twelve of the Wildcats tallied at least one point through out the game, six of them tallying two or more. Smith posted a game-high three points (2g, 1a) breaking his seven-game scoring drought.
Sophomore forward Jerry Pollastone (Billerica, Mass.) pushed the puck between the legs of Fallon after a behind the net pass from Smith to advance the Wildcats to a 2-0 lead 7:40 into the first period.
The Catamounts got onto the board at 12:01 into the first period on a power play goal off a pass from the left circle redirected on to freshman forward Colin Vock stick who hit the top corner of the net on Kevin Regan’s blocker side.
As a result of a Catamount holding call 5:44 into the second period Smith scored an early power play goal off a pass from Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) in the slot. Smith scored on a shot from the left circle to the top corner glove side of Spillane at 5:44 of the middle frame.
With 8:01 into the second, Hemingway took the puck up the right boards, taking a slap shot from the right circle, marking his seventh goal of the season, advancing the Wildcats to a 5-1 lead. Jacob Micflikier (Winnipeg, Man.) and Josh Ciocco (Atco, N.J.) earned the assists on Hemingway’s first goal.
On his second power play goal of the night, Smith scored tallying his 13th goal of the season for the Wildcats and sixth of the game, in front of the net by redirecting a pass from Matt Fornataro at the left circle with 18:30 left to go in the second period.

Uncommon Man
With a Name Like Smith, It's Easy to Get Lost, But This UNH Sophomore is Turning Heads
by Mike Machnik, collegehockeynews.com, Dec. 1, 2006

DURHAM, N.H. — Look atop the scoring list in Hockey East and you'll find a name that few would have expected to see.

But Trevor Smith hasn't only helped New Hampshire rise to No. 2 in the polls, he's also eliciting comparisons with one of the Wildcats' all-time best.

Only a sophomore, the 6-1, 190-pound forward from British Columbia has already improved on his rookie season totals — in a third of the time.

Last season, Smith had 20 points on 10 goals and 10 assists in 39 games. He didn't even make the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

This year, he leads all Hockey East players with 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in just 13 games. It's remarkably similar to another Wildcat, who also hailed from British Columbia.

Ten years ago, Jason Krog followed up a 20-point rookie campaign of his own by more than tripling his numbers to 23-44—67. Two years later, Krog became UNH's first, and so far only, Hobey Baker Award recipient, finishing as his alma mater's second all-time leading scorer.

Maybe it's a little early to make such a comparison. But for UNH head coach Dick Umile, it's not far-fetched at all.

"Don't laugh, that's exactly who he is," said Umile. "He's worked at his game, he can snap the puck just like Krog used to, he sees the ice just like Krog.

"So you're right on with him, that's exactly who we think he is too."

The 21-year-old Smith doesn't seem fazed by the comparison and the pressure that could come with it.

"I never saw him play, but actually today I was at the library studying and I got a little bored, so I looked up some of his stats online and I said, 'Whoa, he's a snipe,'" Smith said.

"I heard Coach saying his name with mine and I thought, that's a huge honor. He's a fantastic player, played a couple games this year already in the show, he's had a great career and a great career ahead of him. It's fantastic to be named with him."

Said Umile, "I think they're very, very similar. They're two B.C. guys who are not going to kill you with speed, but I'll tell you what, their anticipation, they're a step ahead of everybody; they're reading the play, they can pass the puck, and they can definitely bury it when they get an opportunity. So they're very similar."

Smith's rise to near-stardom might have caught some people by surprise, but not his coach.

"He was a good player last year, and the puck wasn't going in for him, and I think the second half of the season it started going in for him," said Umile. "He was kind of under the radar last year, people didn't realize how good of a player he is. We're not surprised by what he does. He worked real hard in the offseason, working on his shot, he's out here all the time working on it. He's got a great release, he's a smart player.

"We just think he's going to be one of the best players in the league. In college hockey you don't get better; the kid does it all, pass, score and he's smart."

Last year, Smith also wondered when the goals would come.

"Last year I was getting a lot of chances, the puck was there, it was on my stick, and some of the pucks weren't going in for me — it was like, 'How's that not going in'," said Smith with a laugh.

"This year I had a good start in Colorado (five points in a sweep at Colorado College), and I'm back together with [Jerry] Pollastrone and [Matt] Fornataro. I felt really comfortable with them, didn't have to get new linemates. It's just working for all three of us, the pucks are going in for all of us."

But you don't enjoy the kind of improvement Smith has had this year without putting in some time to make it happen.

"I had a great offseason," Smith said. "I worked a lot on endurance, did my running, got my wind up. We've got a lake out here, you've got to be in great shape to play. I did a lot of shooting as well, a lot of goalie schools and shooting on goalies. You know, they need the work, if I'm shooting a hundred pucks every half hour, it's fantastic."

The combination of skill and work ethic that Smith brings to the rink hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates or Umile, either.

"It's all what he does in practice," said Umile. "He works real hard, he's in the weight room, he's out here all the time working on his shot.

"It's not by accident that he's got a great release and a great shot. It doesn't just happen by accident, he works at it."

There's also an element of unselfishness that translates into the success Smith has enjoyed. Tuesday night against Merrimack, a team that tied and beat last year's UNH squad, it was another nail biter in the opening period until Smith's line gave the Wildcats the lead for good.

With the puck on the doorstep and a chance to add to his goal totals, Smith opted to pass up the point-blank shot and instead fed linemate Pollastrone for an even better shot and a goal.

"He's very unselfish," said Umile. "He centers that line and he's got two wings, Pollastrone and Fornataro, that have great chemistry with him and they read off of him well. It's become a great line."

"I think it comes with the territory," said Smith of knowing when to shoot and when to pass the puck. "You're seeing the ice better, you feel confident out there, and you know who's around you, especially playing with guys that you know where they're going to be on the ice.

"It's a lot easier to play like that. They're yelling at me to shoot it, or I'm yelling at them to shoot it if they have an open shot. It just works really well for us."

Smith also echoed his coach's comments about what makes his line work.

"Great chemistry on the ice and off the ice as well, that's a big part of it, in the dressing room ... I live with Pollastrone, he's my roommate, and Fornataro, a good Canadian kid, we're both from the West Coast. We have a couple of classes together, we hang out all the time.

"It's a good friendship and we take it over to the ice, we just feel really good."

The Wildcats stand at an impressive 10-2-1 (8-1-1 Hockey East), after finishing fourth last year and being picked to end up in the same spot this year by the league's coaches.

It may be a bit of a surprise, but this is clearly what Umile looked for coming into the season.

"We were hoping, because we really needed him to have this kind of start," said Umile. "It was going to be important for Radja, him, Fornataro and Pollastrone to have a good season, and they've been terrific. I've got no beefs with them at all, they've been great.

"They're the reason why we're playing well."

But wait, there's more

All of Trevor Smith's league-leading 22 points have come at even strength. Even goaltender Kevin Regan (0-1—1) has more power play points than Smith so far.

By way of comparison, last year's Wildcat scoring leader, Jacob Micflikier, recorded half of his 42 points (6-15—21) with the man advantage.

Smith has only been shut out in two games this season.

Meet Mr. Smith
by Jeff Howe, insidecollegehockey.com, Nov. 5, 2006

It's hard to imagine things could be going much better for Trevor Smith right now. The sophomore forward is leading New Hampshire in scoring with 11 goals and 11 assists, surpassing last year's totals (10-10—20) in just 11 games.

And what's better than scoring? Well, the Wildcats are winning. After dropping a pair of home games at the end of October, UNH has ripped off a nine-game unbeaten streak (8-0-1) and is riding six wins in a row on its way to vaulting to No. 2 in the country.

Smith is leading a group that is winning in traditional Wildcat way – flying all over the ice and putting on a scoring spree. UNH leads the nation with 4.62 goals per game, lighting the lamp 60 times through 13 contests.

But with guys like Brett Hemingway and Jacob Micflikier sharing the spotlight on New Hampshire's top line, it's come as somewhat of a surprise that someone with the common surname of Smith, barely halfway through his second collegiate year and playing on the second line is leading the lamp lighting charge.

That's sort of where the surprises end, though. First, UNH's "second line" of Smith, junior Matt Fornataro and sophomore Jerry Pollastrone is one of the deadliest lines in college hockey, compiling 58 points this season.

And second, Smith and the back of the net have met before – quite often. Before showing up in Durham, he was the third-leading scorer in the USHL with 29 goals and 39 assists in 60 games for the Omaha Lancers.

So while Hockey East fans sit back and scratch their heads wondering why Trevor Smith is terrorizing their teams, they may not have realized that it was merely a matter of time. Perhaps they just needed a proper introduction.

Here it goes. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Trevor Smith.

"He is as good of a forward as there is in this league," UNH coach Richard Umile says. "I think he has proven that already. He is a good hockey player, and he is a very smart hockey player on top of the fact that he is very skilled. It's not by accident that he finds himself in those spots. He puts himself there.

"We were hoping this was going to happen. I think he proved that last year in the second half of the season when he became one of the better players, especially one of the better freshmen in the league. He didn't quite get the recognition he deserved or people weren't quite sure what he was going to be. We knew he was going to be good. He is a great goal scorer, and he is deadly with his shot."

Smith's biggest asset is indeed his shot, which he spent countless hours perfecting during the offseason. While burying 10 pucks last year was mildly impressive for a freshman, it wasn't enough.

So he shot. And he shot some more. There were shooting schools and lessons and tireless practices. He says he shot "hundreds of pucks" every day getting ready for his sophomore campaign.

When Smith is left with a one-on-one opportunity against Boston College goalie Cory Schneider – like he was during UNH's 6-3 win on Nov. 22 – he finds himself staring into a red light, raising his stick and hugging his teammates. Schneider may be the premier goalie in Hockey East, but Smith made it look easy that night, picking out a corner and hitting it. That goal turned out to be his 21st point of the season, a new career-high.

"He is a natural goal scorer," Pollastrone says. "He had 10 goals last year, but I think he was a little disappointed with that. We saw in practice that he could score, and he just got off to a good start and kept on going."

"Confidence is his biggest thing," Fornataro says of Smith's vast improvement. "He's got a great shot, and he knows how to get open. He knows how to pick his spots."

Smith, Pollastrone and Fornataro played together most of last season, too. They attribute that factor into their success this year. The trio spends time together on and off the ice. They're in each other's heads.

"It's huge for us," Smith says. "We know where each of us are on the ice. We know where we're going on faceoffs and little things like that. It gives us an advantage on the offensive side of the puck."

"They're both snipers," says Fornataro, the point guard of the group. "We have a good thing going. They get open, and I like to find them."

Smith claims it's the simple things that have translated into a greatly improved year. He worked hard, gained confidence and adapted better to the college lifestyle. He didn't exactly wave a magic wand and turn into the league's highest scorer.

And he doesn't plan on slowing down. Why ruin a good thing?

"I'm just not going to think about anything," Smith says. "It's working right now, and I'm just going to go out there and keep playing the game, playing with these two linemates and having some fun."

NO. 13 MEN'S HOCKEY SLIDES PAST NORTHEASTERN, 3-1
unhwildcats.com, Nov. 4, 2006

BOSTON, MASS. – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) scored another two points (1g, 1a) to help the No. 13 ranked University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team to a weekend sweep of Northeastern University with a 3-1 victory on Saturday night in front of 3,596 fans at Matthews Arena.
With the victory the Wildcats improve to 4-2-0 on the season and 2-1-0 in Hockey East play. Northeastern drops to 2-5-1, 0-4-1 in Hockey East action. The Wildcats have now won the last five meetings vs. Northeastern at Matthews Arena. UNH is now 14-0-3 against NU in the last 17 meetings of the series.
Senior assistant captain Chris Murray (Dover, Mass.) gave UNH a 2-1 lead with only 2:03 remaining in the second period. Murray took a shot from the right point and the puck was deflected by a Northeastern defender into its net. Smith and junior forward Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) were credited with assists on Murray’s third career goal. Sophomore blueliner Jamie Fritsch (Odenton, Md.) game UNH a 3-1 lead at 19:23 of the second period on a slapshot from the left point on the power play. Seniors Brett Hemingway (Surrey, B.C.) and Jacob Micflikier (Winnipeg, Manitoba) posted assists on the third goal of the game. The Wildcats scored all three goals in the second stanza.
UNH got on the board at the 5:18 mark of the second period as Smith continued his six-game goal scoring streak with his team-leading eight goal of the season. Smith crashed the net down the right slot, while Fornataro fed the puck from the left side behind the NU goal. Smith’s collect his own rebound off his own rebound and scored on the second attempt to tie the game 1-1. Sophomore Jerry Pollastrone (Revere, Mass.) also earned an assist on the Smith tally.

NO. 13 MEN'S HOCKEY DUMPS NORTHEASTERN, 6-3
unhwildcats.com, Nov. 3, 2006

DURHAM, N.H. – Linemates Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, British Columbia) and Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) both recorded three points to lead the 13th-ranked University of New Hampshire hockey team to Friday night’s 6-3 Hockey East victory against Northeastern University at the Whittemore Center.
UNH improved to 3-2-0 overall and 1-1-0 in Hockey East while NU fell to 2-4-1, 0-3-1.
With the score tied 3-3 entering the third period, the Wildcats scored a pair of goals in the opening minute of the stanza to build a two-goal advantage. Brett Hemingway (Surrey, British Columbia), with the assistance of Jacob Micflikier (Winnipeg, Manitoba; 2a) and Jamie Fritsch (Odenton, Md.), scored at 27 seconds and Fornataro (1g, 2a), struck 14 seconds later. Smith (2g, 1a) and Jerry Pollastrone (Revere, Mass.; 2a) set up Fornataro’s first goal of the season.
UNH tied the score, 1-1, at 7:23 when Brad Flaishans (Glendale, Ariz.) won the puck in the defensive zone and moved the puck along the right dashers to Fornataro, who in turn found Smith at the blue line. Smith fired a shot from the top of the right circle that sailed into the upper-right corner.
The Huskies regained the lead, 2-1, when Kyle Kraemer’s shot from the left circle went into the far upper-corner of the net at 13:35. Jimmy Russo, with the centering pass from the left corner, and Joe Vitale were credited with assists.
The ‘Cats outscored the Huskies 2-1 in the middle stanza to level the score, 3-3, through 40 minutes. Smith netted his second goal of the night at 4:50 when his screened shot from the right half-boards beat Geragosian. Fornataro, with the wraparound pass behind the net around the right corner, and Pollastrone set up the goal.

TREVOR SMITH NAMED HOCKEY EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
unhwildcats.com, Oct. 23, 2006

Wakefield, MASS. – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey was named the CCM/RBK Hockey East Player of the Week for the first time in his Wildcat career on Monday afternoon, which was announced by the conference office.
Smith had a outstanding opening weekend for the Wildcats in the two-game series against Colorado College with five points last weekend (3g, 2a). He posted the game-winning goal in the season opener in the 4-3 win on Friday, Oct. 20. He then scored a career-high four points on Saturday vs. the Tigers with two goals and two assists in the 7-2 win at World Arena in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Oct. 21. Smith also totaled seven shots on the weekend with a +5 plus/minus rating
UNH’s second line of Smith, along with sophomore Jerry Pollastrone (Revere, Mass.) and junior forward Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta) was responsible for 13 of the Wildcats’ 31 points over the weekend, which included five goals and eight assists.
Smith registered 20 points (10g, 10a) in 39 games as a freshman in 2005-2006. In comparison to last season, it took Smith 18 games to register his fifth point of the season.

NO. 12 MEN'S HOCKEY ROLLS OVER COLORADO COLLEGE, 7-2
unhwildcats.com, Oct. 22, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Sophomore forward Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.) recorded a career-high four points to lead the UNH men’s hockey team to a 7-2 victory over Colorado College on Saturday night in front of 7,037 fans at the World Arena. 
Smith scored UNH’s first two goals for the ‘Cats to give UNH a 2-1 lead heading into the dressing room after the first period. He got the ‘Cats in the scoring column first at 8:19 and then at the 17:13 mark.
Smith’s linemate, sophomore forward Jerry Pollastrone (Revere, Mass.) also had a solid showing with three points (2g, 1a). He scored two of UNH’s three second period goals at 1:41 and 10:31. Junior forward Mike Radja (Yorkville, Ill.) also registered a two-goal effort with a goal in the second period at 9:09 and a goal in the final frame at 4:20 to cap off UNH’s scoring in the game. 
UNH’s top two lines accounted for 16 of the 21 points on the night (6g, 10a), including 10 points (4g, 10a) by the second line of Pollastrone, Smith and junior forward Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta). Fornataro finished the night with three assists, which was a career-high in points for the junior forward. Nine different Wildcats posted a point in the game and eight players earned multiple points on the night.

NO. 13 MEN'S HOCKEY ROLLS PAST US UNDER-18 TEAM, 7-1
unhwildcats.com, Oct. 14, 2006

Trevor Smith (North Vancouver, British Columbia) and Matt Fornataro (Calgary, Alberta), Pollastrone’s linemates, finished with two goals and an assist and two assists, respectively.
Smith and Chris Murray (Dover, Mass.) netted first-period goals 73 seconds apart to give the Wildcats a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Smith, standing at the top of the goaltender’s crease, jammed the puck into the net at 4:04. Fornataro, whose initial shot from deep in the left circle was stopped by Phillips, and Pollastrone were credited with assists. Shawn Vinz (Rochester, Minn.) set up Murray’s low, hard shot from the high slot with a pass from the left circle.
The Wildcats scored two more goals in the second period to extend their lead to 4-0. Smith netted his second of the night at 11:14 – just four seconds after a UNH power play expired – on a high wrist shot from the low slot. Pollastrone, with a pass from the right circle, and Fornataro were credited with assists. Mike Radja (Yorkville, Ill.) gave the ‘Cats a four-goal lead with 28.3 seconds remaining in the middle stanza when he maneuvered down the slot and scored. Jacob Micflikier (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Brett Hemingway (Surrey, B.C.) set up the strike with quick passes through the neutral zone.

Trevor Smith's U. of New Hampshire Profile
unhwildcats.com

2005-2006: Played in 39 out of 40 games for the Wildcats his freshmen year as UNH’s leading rookie scorer and fifth leading scorer on the ‘Cats roster with 20 points (10g, 10a)…Ranked tied for eighth among Hockey East rookies in points scored...Scored his first goal as a Wildcat on Oct. 14th vs. Ferris State…Scored a career-high two goals vs. Boston U. on February 17th and against Providence on February 27...Had at least one point in 16 games and totaled four multiple-point performances...Had a season-high six-game point streak from Dec. 10 to Jan. 14 with 1-6-7 in that time...Had 14 of his 20 points in 26 league games.

Before UNH: Smith was the third-leading scorer in the USHL scoring 29-39-68 in 60 games for the Omaha Lancers...Before Omaha, Smith spent two years in the BCHL with Quesnel (03-04) and Surrey (02-03)...He was named a First-Team USHL All-Star and guided the Lancers to the Anderson Cup Championship.

Career Milstones:  First assist: Nov. 4, 2005 vs Northeastern; First goal: Oct. 14, 2005 vs Ferris State.

Personal: Born in Ottawa, Ontario on February 8, 1985 to Harvey and Susan Smith...Has not declared a major...Shoots left...lists Doug Gilmour as his favorite athlete.