Matt Smith
Josh Lehrer

Two of RIT’s own, senior forwards Matt Smith and Simone Lambert, have signed contracts to play hockey professionally.

Smith signed with the South Carolina Stingrays, part of the East Coast Hockey League, back in March. He made his first appearance in a professional game on March 2, 2008. He has two shots on goal. Smith’s career at RIT was a strong one with 62 goals and 51 assists. Even further, Smith’s 44 power-play goals are tied with the most in the history of the men’s hockey program at RIT. “I was having too much fun playing at RIT, I just couldn’t give it up,” remarked Smith about continuing his career. “I am still fairly young and figure I don’t want to have any regrets.” “We are excited for Matt,” said Men’s Hockey Coach Wayne Wilson, “He will represent RIT well in the pros.”

Simone Lambert
Josh Lehrer

Lambert also signed with the East Coast Hockey League. He will now play for the Victoria Salmon Kings. On March 25, Lambert scored his first professional goal. Lambert’s career at RIT was very successful as well with 63 goals and 89 assists. He is now RIT’s all-time leading Division I scorer, and feels that the change from Division III to Division I was very helpful in getting him the professional contract. Regarding the switch of divisions, Lambert said, “The mentality changed a little bit, which is a lot more like professional hockey. I also learned a lot from the coaches, and I will always be grateful of what they did for me.”

Smith and Lambert follow in the footsteps of alum hockey players Steve Pinizzotto and Jocelyn Guimond who signed with professional teams after the 2006-07 seasons. Pinizzotto now plays for the Hershey Bears, the farm team of the Washington Capitals. According to Smith, Pinizzotto is “developing into a legitimate pro player.”

Overall, Lambert and Smith have their work cut out for them. Smith remarked, “The players are stronger and faster at the next level.” However, Smith believes RIT hockey has prepared him. “Playing teams like Minnesota and Boston College [in the National Championships] this year is pretty similar to the skill level. Playing those teams was a great experience, especially beating them in their own building.”