ECHL: Jalen Smereck Signs With Fort Wayne Komets

The Detroit, Michigan, native is entering his seventh season in the ECHL, as he began his career with the Komets. He’s also made stops with the Norfolk Admirals, Rapid City Rush, Cincinnati Cyclones, and Toledo Walleye. In 252 games, he’s put up 41 goals and 174 assists for 215 points. Smereck was named to the All-Star Team in 2019 and 2024. In 2024, he would be named to the ECHL First All-Star Team and lead all defensemen in assists and points. Smereck has also played in 77 games at the AHL level with the San Jose Barracuda and Tucson Roadrunners, where he put up four goals and 12 assists for 16 points.

 “To add a veteran defenseman like Jalen right before training camp is just tremendous,” said head coach Jesse Kallechy. “He’s one of the best defenders who distributes the puck very well, and he will make us more dynamic at the blueline.”
Head Coach Jesse Kallechy on the signing of Smereck (via Fort Wayne Komets Press Release)

Smereck would also spend a year overseas during the 2021-22 season. He would put up a goal and three assists for four points in five games in Ukraine with Donbass Donetsk. Smereck would finish off that season in the DEL, where he put up 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points in 46 games.