Lumberjacks Deal Banga To Bloomington For Russ Smith
December 8, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
MUSKEGON, MI.--- Residing in the swank penthouse suite of the International Hockey League's first place position in to the third month of the 2009-10 season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks have completed their second trade of the current campaign.
On this date, the Lumberjacks have announced the acquisition of defenseman RUSS SMITH from the Bloomington Prairie Thunder in exchange for center TRAVIS BANGA. The transaction takes effect immediately with both players expected to report to their respective new teams promptly.
SMITH, 26, is currently in his third pro season, in the midst of his second campaign with the Bloomington club. The strap-ping 6-4, 225lb left-hand shooting defenseman has been enjoying a stellar season with the Prairie Thunder through the initial 19-games of the season. The American-bred from Annapolis, Maryland was sharing the team's scoring leadership among its blue line brigade with 9-points on 3-goals, 6-assists with 82-PIM and team-best +5 rating. Muskegon's newest member has been especially effective on a Bloomington power play unit which ranks as the most prolific in the IHL. Five of his 9-points have been the product of the extra man band on 2-goals, 3-assists.
Possessing the rare combination of finesse and physical might, Smith is also tied for the league lead in minor penalties with 16 while his 8-majors rank second among league defensemen and fifth overall and his 82-PIM list him #4 league-wide.
In 2008-09, rock-ribbed, rugged rearguard divided the campaign between the Twin City Cyclones of the SPHL 32(3-15-18) 118-PIM and Bloomington. With the latter club, he collected 10-points in 33-games on 3-goals, 7-assists with 103-PIM.
A former four-year standout at Elmira College of the ECAC Division II Conference, Smith actually launched his pro career in 2007-08 with the ECHL Elmira Jackals 7(0-1-1) 13-PIM. In his senior year for Elmira College, he averaged over a point a game, registering 31-points in 28-games on 6-goals, 25-assists, amassing 27-PIM.
Smith will wear jersey #33 and make his debut on the Lumberjacks defense this Friday night, December 11th when Muskegon journeys to Port Huron to be entertained by the Icehawks in a 7:30 pm face-off.
As for the departing centerman Banga, the 30-year old 6-year pro was in his first season in Muskegon following a 5-year stint in the CHL. In 19-games with the 'Jacks, he had registered 9-points on 4-goals, 5-assists with all 4 of his goals generated on the power play.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 8, 2009
- Lumberjacks Sign Center Damian Surma - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Icehawks Face Two Big Opponents This Week In Four Games - Port Huron Icehawks
- Lumberjacks Deal Banga To Bloomington For Russ Smith - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Icehawks To Celebrate The Holidays With Festive Promotions - Port Huron Icehawks
- Mallards Sign Goaltender Kaufmann - Quad City Mallards
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