Phantoms send Smith to NAHL team

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Mired in a nine-game losing streak, the Youngstown Phantoms traded defenseman Alex Smith’s rights to the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.

Smith, 18, was in his first season with the Phantoms (7-17-5, 19 points) and was one of the team’s few defenders with USHL experience at the start of the season.

In 18 games with Youngstown, Smith recorded two goals and two assists, including the game-winning goal on Sept. 28 against Green Bay. He also added 34 penalty minutes.

“We’d like to thank Alex Smith for his time and effort with the Phantoms organization,” Jason Koehler, Youngstown Director of Player Personnel, said. “Alex is an exceptional young man, and we wish him all the best in Janesville and beyond.”

Smith has played in 77 games over his USHL career, making appearances for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (2011-12) and the Indiana Ice (2012-13).

In his USHL career, the Brownstown, Mich., native recorded five goals, 16 assists and 102 penalty minutes.