Avon’s Ben Smith scores a goal in Chicago’s regular season finale

Ben Smith

ST. LOUIS, April 27 – Avon native Ben Smith played in his first NHL game of the season Saturday night for the Chicago Blackhawks and scored a goal in a 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. 

Smith was one of eight players called up from Chicago’s American Hockey League affiliate in Rockford for the regular season finale against St. Louis. Smith’s goal with 8:23 left in the third period prevented Chicago from being shutout for the first time this season.

The Blackhawks had already clinched the best record in the NHL and home ice advantage for as long as they are in the Stanley Cup playoffs, which begin on Tuesday night.

Smith, who graduated from the Westminister School in Simsbury (2006) and played at Boston College, had his best season as a professional this year. He posted single season career high numbers in goals (27), assists (20) and points (47) in 54 games with Rockford. 

Smith, 24, had eight game-winning goals for Rockford this season and finished the AHL campaign strong with eight goals in the final four Rockford contests. 

This was Smith’s third full season in Rockford although he has had some playing time in Chicago. He has scored three goals in 19 regular season games with the Blackhawks and three goals in seven Stanley Cup playoff games in April 2011 including two goals in a win over Vancouver and an overtime game-winning goal over the Canucks in game six. Smith is a right wing.  

Ben Smith regular season career statistics
Year              Team                GP     G     A       Pts
2012-13        Rockford (AHL)   54     27   20       47
2012-13        Chicago (NHL)       1      1     0         1
2011-12        Rockford (AHL)    48    15   16       31
2011-12        Chicago (NHL)     13      2     0         2
2010-11        Rockford (AHL)    63    19    12      31
2010-11        Chicago (NHL)       6       1     0        1
NHL totals                               20       4      0        4

Playoff career statistics
Year              Team                    GP             G             A            Pts
2010-11         Chicago (NHL)        7              3              0              3
2009-10         Rockford (AHL)       3              1              0              1