Smith Named Player of the Month

Okay, last post before the game, I promise, but Darryl Smith has been named the Central Hockey League's Player of the Month for January.

Smith, the reigning CHL Rookie of the Year, earned Player of the Week honors for his efforts in a 2-1 week against the Northern Conference's top teams on Jan. 25, and now has one-upped himself with the first Player of the Month honors of his professional career.

Smith is the Bucks' top goal scorer with 23 on the season, tying him for second in the league, and their second-leading point man with 41 on his 23 goals and 18 assists.

January was his best month of the season so far, as he scored 10 goals and handed out six assists for 16 points in 12 games.

The 22-year-old Ontario native started the 2009-10 season at a prospects camp with the Atlanta Thrashers and went on to play one game with the AHL's Manitoba Moose.

He played four games in the AHL last season with the Houston Aeros.

You can read more about the honor in Bryan Benway's press release.