The Road Less Traveled: Jeremy Smith’s Return to the AHL

Feb 4, 2026

By: Tucker Terranova

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – As the final seconds ticked away at Total Mortgage Arena and the Springfield Thunderbirds remained stuck at zero on the scoreboard, Jeremy Smith raised his arms toward the ceiling and exhaled. Nearly seven years after his last American Hockey League appearance, the veteran goaltender had recorded a shutout for his first AHL win in 2,479 days. 

For Smith, the moment completed an improbable return to North American hockey. The 36-year-old spent the previous six seasons overseas with Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League, never losing faith that he would one day find his way back. 

“I put a lot of hard work into returning,” Smith said. “When you’re overseas for so long, the path back can be hard to imagine. When Bridgeport called, I was extremely thankful for the opportunity.” 

Smith, whose 339 career AHL games are the second-most among active goaltenders, has experienced nearly every high and low professional hockey has to offer. 

Selected 54th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft, Smith spent a decade in the AHL, making 248 starts with the Milwaukee Admirals, Springfield Falcons and Providence Bruins. Despite his consistency, NHL opportunities were limited, largely due to being blocked by Pekka Rinne, Sergei Bobrovsky and Tuukka Rask, all Vezina Trophy winners. 

“In my draft year and the years around it, there was a bit of a roadblock with established NHL goaltenders,” Smith said. “But being around guys like that allowed me to learn from them and really refine my craft.” 

Smith made the most of his time in the minors. He earned Kelly Cup MVP honors with the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2009-10 and reached the postseason every year of his career. His AHL journey brought him to Bridgeport in 2018-19, when he served as the Sound Tigers’ starting goaltender, posting a 2.92 goals-against average, .902 save percentage and 21 wins in 43 games to help return the club to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. 

“It’s a winning atmosphere from top to bottom in the organization,” Smith said. “It’s really fun to play in this building and the fans have always been great.” 

Following that season, Smith faced a crossroads and chose to continue his career overseas, signing with Kunlun Red Star for the 2019-20 season. The move brought a significant cultural adjustment, as Kunlun is the only KHL team based in China. 

“The language barrier was big,” Smith said. “They use a symbol-based system for reading, so it took time to adjust. The first couple weeks were nerve-racking, but everyone was supportive and welcoming.” 

The transition on the ice, however, came naturally. Playing alongside former Bridgeport Islanders Gemel Smith and Andrej Sustr, Smith spent six seasons with Kunlun, compiling a 2.63 goals-against average and .918 save percentage across 184 games from 2019-25, while earning two KHL All-Star selections. 

For Smith, the experience extended beyond hockey. As part of China’s first major professional hockey organization, he understood the responsibility of helping grow the game globally. 

“The goal for the foreign players was to help grow hockey worldwide,” Smith said. “They embraced us and developed a real passion for the sport. I’m excited to see where hockey is in 10, 15, even 50 years from now.” 

That mission culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Smith, referred to as Shimisi Jierumi for the tournament, earned a spot on China’s national team as one of 15 heritage players. Despite backlash and death threats for his participation, Smith focused on the significance of the moment. 

“The Olympics are something not many people get to experience,” Smith said. “It was a unique situation, but being part of the host country was special. I don’t know many hockey players who would turn that down.” 

Smith started three games in the tournament and returned with memories that will last a lifetime. 

“It showed that all the sacrifices I’ve made were worth it,” he said. 

Following the 2024-25 season, Kunlun announced its move to Shanghai and terminated existing contracts, leaving Smith without a team. In December, a familiar call changed everything. 

“Chris Lamoriello reached out, and I was excited for the chance to help the team in any way,” Smith said. “Coming back here felt right. The expectations haven’t changed.” 

Signed to an amateur tryout contract and entering a crowded goaltending room, Smith knew starts would have to be earned. He also understood his value extended beyond the crease, hoping to support Marcus Hogberg and Henrik Tikkanen. 

“Henrik, Marcus and I push each other every day,” Smith said. “Regardless of who’s in net, we’re all rooting for each other.” 

Now the second-oldest player in the AHL, Smith has embraced his role as a veteran presence on a young, motivated Bridgeport roster. 

“I’ve made the playoffs every year I’ve played in the AHL,” Smith said. “I hope I can help these guys prepare and build on what they’re creating. They’re hungry for playoff hockey.” 

That experience paid off Feb. 1, when Smith was called upon for the third game of a three-in-three weekend against Springfield. Facing North American competition for the first time since before the pandemic, he stopped all 22 shots he faced, adding an assist in a shutout performance. 

Few understand hockey’s unpredictable journey better than Smith. Though he has seen nearly everything the sport can offer, he believes his story is still being written. 

“I have 10 NHL games and a win,” Smith said. “Who knows what’s next? I’ve learned that nothing is off the table.”