Smith named ECHL Rooke of the Month

Coralville, IA – Iowa Heartlanders forward Jake Smith has been named the Howies Hockey Tape ECHL Rookie of the Month for January. He is the first player in team history to earn a monthly award from the ECHL.Smith led all players with ten January goals and added ten assists for 20 points in 13 games during the month. Among other accomplishments during the month, Smith generated the first hat trick in team history and a franchise-record five points at Rapid City Jan. 9 in a 9-1 win, the most-lopsided victory in team history.He led the league in goals in back-to-back weeks (Jan. 3-9, Jan. 10-16) and was named ECHL Player of the Week for the week ending Jan. 16 after recording six points (4g-2a) in three games.The 24-year-old had at least one point in 11 of his 13 games in January, with five multi-point games.A native of Pickering, Ontario, Smith has tallied 22 points (10g-12a) in 21 games with the Heartlanders after beginning the season by skating in five games with Kansas City.Smith has totaled 55 points (27g-28a) in 60 career games in the Southern Professional Hockey League with Evansville and Birmingham.Prior to turning pro, Smith totaled 113 points (52g-61a) in 176 career games with Acadie-Bathurst, Chicoutimi and Val d’Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and with Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League.Tavern Blue Fore Packs are available for all home games this season, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, VIP Parking and discounts from Tavern Blue restaurant. Tickets for the game are also available by calling 319-569-PUCK.Iowa visits Cincinnati Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. to kick off a three-game road trip.Upcoming Home GamesWednesday, February  9th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Utah – College NightFriday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Utah – Faith & Family NightSaturday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Utah – Pink in the Rink NIghtThe Heartlanders Season ticket memberships, group tickets, mini-plans, flex vouchers and single-game tickets are available for the Heartlanders inaugural season by calling 319-569-GOAL and visiting iowaheartlanders.com/tickets.