Smolinski Inks Deal with ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones
3/12/2026 2:15:00 PM | Men's Hockey
Smolinski scored career-best 18 points in lone season at SCSU
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – St. Cloud State Men's Hockey senior defenseman Max Smolinski (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) signed a professional contract with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, as announced by the organization on March 11. Smolinski spent his final season of collegiate hockey with the Huskies (2025-26), where he produced career highs in goals (six) assists (12) and points (18).
Smolinski led all SCSU blue liners in numerous offensive categories in his lone season as a Husky, producing six goals and 12 assists for 18 points with three power play goals. He was named the NCHC Defenseman of the week after a three-point performance (1-2—3) and a +1 mark on the ice against Minnesota Duluth (Jan. 16-17).
Prior to SCSU, Smolinski spent three seasons at RPI (2022-25) where he produced 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points with three power play goals in 108 games. He played in every game for the Engineers over three seasons and produced a then-career-best five goals and 15 points in his 2024-25 junior campaign. In the classroom, Smolinski was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team and a AHCA Krampade Scholar All-American. Max is the son of Bryan Smolinski, who played four collegiate seasons and was a captain at Michigan State before a 15-season NHL career where he played for eight teams.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Men's Hockey, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Smolinski led all SCSU blue liners in numerous offensive categories in his lone season as a Husky, producing six goals and 12 assists for 18 points with three power play goals. He was named the NCHC Defenseman of the week after a three-point performance (1-2—3) and a +1 mark on the ice against Minnesota Duluth (Jan. 16-17).
Prior to SCSU, Smolinski spent three seasons at RPI (2022-25) where he produced 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points with three power play goals in 108 games. He played in every game for the Engineers over three seasons and produced a then-career-best five goals and 15 points in his 2024-25 junior campaign. In the classroom, Smolinski was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team and a AHCA Krampade Scholar All-American. Max is the son of Bryan Smolinski, who played four collegiate seasons and was a captain at Michigan State before a 15-season NHL career where he played for eight teams.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Men's Hockey, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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