Express' Smith bound for Providence

The Owatonna Express has announced that first-year defenseman Tim Smith has committed to Providence College (Hockey East) for next season.

He is the 17th player who competed in January's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament to commit to a Division I program following the event.

“We're very happy for Tim,” said Express head coach Pat Cullen.  “It's a great opportunity for him and we're excited to see that his hard work and commitment has paid off.”

Smith, an 18-year-old from Superior, Wis., totaled eight goals for 22 points in 57 regular-season games for the Express this season.

The 16 other NAHL players to commit to a school after the Top Prospects Tournament are: Bismarck Bobcats goaltender Matt Grogan (University of Connecticut); Fairbanks Ice Dogs defenseman Brandon Martell (Ohio State University) and goaltender Phil Cook (Minnesota State-Mankato); Mahoning Valley Phantoms defensemen Carl Nielsen (Michigan Tech University) and Cullen Lundholm (Robert Morris University); Marquette Rangers forward Chad Pietila (Northern Michigan University) and Reed Rushing (Bowling Green State University); Motor City Machine forward Ryan Misiak (Mercyhurst College); Springfield Jr. Blues forward Trent Frey (Mercyhurst); St. Louis Bandits defenseman Tyler Elbrecht (Minnesota State-Mankato) and goaltender Keith Kinkaid (Union); Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Bryce Merriam (RPI) and forward Steve Shafer (Canisius College); and Wenatchee Wild forwards Ducan McKellar (Bemidji State University) and Mitch Torrel (Air Force) and goaltender Mathieu Dugas (Bemidji State).