February 8, 2009
E-MAIL 
High Rewards
by Nick Lowman/CHN Reporter
Opportunities are sometimes few and far between, and for Miami's Brandon Smith, it's been long time coming.
A native of Pepper Pike, Ohio, Smith has been patiently waiting in the wings for his chance to play for the RedHawks and after being scratched every game for two seasons without missing a practice, he's now taking every shift in stride.
While no one probably knows that much about him, the junior forward has played solid hockey all season long and has been an inspiring addition to the lineup for the eighth-ranked team in the nation. And despite losing the his first two years of college eligibility, Smith continues to keep a positive attitude.
“It was tough, but I had some encouraging people around me and I always had a good attitude,” Smith said. “I knew that my opportunity would come so I just kept working hard every day.”
After last season, it was Smith's teammates that approached head coach Enrico Blasi about giving the junior forward a chance to play.
“I didn't know about it , but it was humble and the other guys noticed the work I was putting in,” Smith said. “At first, it's like climbing a mountain and it seemed like I wasn't going anywhere, but when my opportunity came it felt really good to play.”
Smith got his chance on opening night this season. Within a month, he was making his presence felt. On November 15th in East Lansing against Michigan State, not only did he score his first goal, but it was a game winner at that.
In the moment, nothing proved to be more satisfying for the youngster than going into Munn Arena with positive motivation and delivering a knock out punch and earning a big win for his program.
“It was weird,” Smith explained. “Our line was buzzing around and playing well. I didn't know I actually scored, the puck bounced off me into the net and it was the game winner.”
Certainly making a great impression in his first game was all fine and dandy, but after the game, the former Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) All-Star started to put everything in perspective and realized that all of his hard work was finally paying off.
“It was all worth it,” said Smith. “Going to practice and putting in the extra work paid off. It's just great to have an opportunity to help my team out.”
And as of late, Miami seems to have found its stride, posting a five-game unbeaten streak and trying to finish strong down the stretch before the playoffs. The RedHawks have been getting it done both offensively and defensively and the team is getting valuable minutes out of their role players.
Recent performances by Smith have added more depth to Miami's lineup. He rarely turns the puck over and always takes care of his end first. What makes this junior forward such an important asset to Miami's roster is that, although he might not do any one thing spectacular, he does do anything and everything that is asked of him to the best of his ability.
“I'm doing whatever I can to help the team,” said Smith. “Our line does a good job with puck possession and I like to hit a few bodies when I can. That's what they (the coaching staff) look for me to do.”
Playing college hockey is a goal for many youngsters and while Smith has accomplished this feat, it's rather surprising that his biggest highlight isn't his first collegiate goal.
“I think coming to the rink and seeing your sweater hanging in your stall is just awesome,” Smith explained. “Playing college hockey was a goal of mine and to see your sweater hanging is a great feeling of accomplishment.”
Not only that, but the perseverance that has been exhibited by Smith to stay the course has made him one of the most respected players in the locker room. When asked about the thought of ever transferring to another school earlier in his college career to get a chance to play hockey, Smith simply said “never. It's where I wanted to be and I've always believed in myself and it never crossed my mind to go anywhere else.”