New Hampshire Goalie Smith Jr. makes NCAA DI Commitment

The New Hampshire Mountain Kings of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that goalie Matthew Smith Jr. has committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy in the Atlantic Hockey America Conference. 

“I am incredibly honored to announce my NCAA Division I commitment to play hockey at the United States Air Force Academy and serve my country,” said Smith Jr. “I would like to thank my family, friends, and all the coaches who have helped and supported me throughout this journey. I would also like to thank the Air Force hockey coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I’m beyond grateful for this next chapter and excited for what’s ahead. Go Falcons!”

Smith Jr., 18, is in his first season playing junior hockey with New Hampshire. The Columbia Station, Ohio native has appeared in three games for the Mountain Kings so far this season, posting a 2-1 record alongside a 4.35 GAA and .827 save percentage. His first win of the season came at the 2026 NAHL Showcase, stopping 30 of 32 shots faced in a 5-2 win over the Houston Bulls. Smith Jr. got a brief taste of the NAHL’s East Division in the 2025-26 season, appearing in three games.

"The Mountain Kings organization is thrilled that Matthew Smith Jr. has been recognized as an elite level player within our league and given the opportunity to prove himself at the Division 1 Level,” said Mountain Kings head coach Cam Robichaud. “We recognized Matthew's talent while competing against him as an affiliate player in the east division. Matthew had youth, a quality frame, sharp technical skills and a high compete level that we were instantly drawn to. After some time in the CHL we were ecstatic to hear he was heading our way to continue his development. Early on he showed the ability to consistently compete and give our team a chance on a nightly basis.” 

Robichaud went on to talk about his exposure to Air Force at the NAHL Showcase. “He continued this play at the Blaine Showcase which caught the eye of Air Force who swiftly moved on the opportunity to commit him. We couldn't be happier for Matthew and his family to be loudly recognized at an elite level. We know he'll continue to bring compete for us throughout the season and that the lessons learned in New Hampshire will one day lead to him making an impact for Air Force at the Division 1 level."

Smith Jr. joins a growing group of players from the 2026-27 Mountain Kings roster committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey, bringing New Hampshire’s total to five players.