Smereck inks deal with Walleye

Toledo, Ohio – Defenseman Jalen Smereck has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2024-25 season.

Smereck, a Detroit, Michigan native, joins the Walleye after spending parts of each of the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Smereck was a 2024 ECHL All-Star and named to the All-ECHL First Team for the Cyclones after a career year in which he posted 71 points (14g-51a) and 84 penalty minutes in 70 games for the Cyclones. Smereck led all ECHL defensemen in points, assists and power-play points (32).

Smereck has played over 300 professional games in his career, spending parts of his eight seasons between the ECHL, American Hockey League and the DEL. In his 305 professional games, the 27-year-old has totaled 219 points (47g-172a) and 327 penalty minutes. In his ECHL career, Smereck has posted 169 points (33g-136a) and 228 penalty minutes in 182 games across five seasons with Fort Wayne, Norfolk, Rapid City and Cincinnati. He also has accrued 16 points (4g-12a) and 41 penalty minutes in 77 games over six AHL seasons between Tucson and San Jose. Smereck also spent one season with the Bietigheim SC Steelers of the DEL, posting 34 points (10g-24a) and 58 penalty minutes in 46 games.

Prior to turning pro, Smereck played three Ontario Hockey League seasons, collecting 104 points (24g-80a) and 181 penalty minutes in 169 games split between Oshawa and Flint.