SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League has named Rochester Americans defenseman Brandon Smith as the recipient of the CCM/AHL Milestone of the Month award for October.
On Oct. 8 vs. Manitoba, Smith became the 51st player in American Hockey League history to play in 700 career regular-season games, and just the 18th defenseman to accomplish that feat. Smith marked the occasion by a scoring one goal and assisting on another in Rochester’s 6-3 win over the visiting Moose.
Now in his 13th professional season, Smith finished the month with 86 goals and 283 assists for 369 points in 706 career AHL contests since making his debut during the 1994-95 campaign. He ranks third among active AHL players in games played, trailing only Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Dennis Bonvie and San Antonio’s Bryan Helmer.
Smith, who has also appeared in 33 career NHL games, was a First Team AHL All-Star in 1998-99 when he helped Providence capture a Calder Cup championship, and he played in the 2004 AHL All-Star Classic. In addition to his 706 regular-season games, Smith has skated in 85 Calder Cup Playoff matches as well.
In recognition of earning the CCM/AHL Milestone of the Month, Smith will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Americans home game.
