Courtesy of the Elmira College Sports Information Department

ELMIRA, NY - Fourth year Elmira College defenseman Russell Smith '08 (Annapolis, MD -- Lowell Lockmonsters) signed his first professional contract with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL on Tuesday of last week.

Smith, who closed his four year career at EC two weekends ago in the NCAA Semifinal game against Plattsburgh, finished out the season as one of the team's top defenseman.  In his final season with the Purple and Gold, Smith earned a career best 27 assists with 6 goals in 29 games played. 

This season also saw Smith garner ECAC West Second Team All-Conference honors as well as being ranked amongst some of the top players in the nation in a variety of categories. 

Throughout his four year career with the Soaring Eagles, Smith has been a part of two final four teams, one of which played in the First Arena in 2006.  In a total of 92 games played with Elmira, Smith accumulated 14 goals and 47 assists.