The Providence Bruins have bolstered their roster by signing University of North Dakota (UND) senior forward Jake Schmaltz to a one-year American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the 2025-26 season. Additionally, Schmaltz will join the team on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) agreement for the remainder of the current season.
**Collegiate Career and Performance**
Jake Schmaltz, a 23-year-old from McFarland, Wisconsin, has had a notable collegiate hockey career with the UND Fighting Hawks. Over four seasons, he played in 147 NCAA games, accumulating 20 goals and 43 assists, totaling 63 points. In his senior year, Schmaltz served as an alternate captain, demonstrating leadership both on and off the ice. During that season, he appeared in 38 games, recording six goals and ten assists.
**Junior Hockey Experience**
Before his tenure at UND, Schmaltz spent three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Chicago Steel and Green Bay Gamblers from 2018 to 2021. His performance in the USHL showcased his offensive capabilities and prepared him for the transition to collegiate hockey.
**NHL Draft and Family Background**
In the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Schmaltz was selected by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round as the 192nd overall pick. Hockey talent runs in the Schmaltz family; Jake’s older brothers, Jordan and Nick Schmaltz, were both first-round NHL draft picks and have played in the league. Nick Schmaltz currently plays for the Utah Hockey Club, while Jordan has retired from professional hockey.
**Role and Expectations with Providence Bruins**
Schmaltz is recognized for his versatility, capable of playing both center and left-wing positions. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, he brings a combination of size and skill to the ice. Throughout his collegiate career, Schmaltz was known for his reliability in crucial game situations, proficiency in faceoffs, and willingness to block shots—evidenced by 16 blocked shots during his junior year. While not necessarily a high-scoring forward, his consistent two-way play and leadership qualities are assets that the Providence Bruins are likely to value.
**Transition to Professional Hockey**
By signing an ATO for the remainder of the current season, Schmaltz will have the opportunity to acclimate to the professional hockey environment and demonstrate his capabilities at the AHL level. This experience will be invaluable as he prepares for the 2025-26 season under his newly signed contract. The Providence Bruins’ management and coaching staff will closely monitor his integration into the team, assessing how his skills and experience can contribute to the organization’s objectives.
**Conclusion**
Jake Schmaltz’s signing with the Providence Bruins marks a significant milestone in his hockey career, transitioning from a successful collegiate athlete to a professional player. His comprehensive experience in junior and collegiate hockey, combined with his family’s NHL legacy, positions him as a promising addition to the Providence Bruins. As he embarks on this new chapter, both Schmaltz and the organization will aim to leverage his skills and leadership to achieve success in the AHL.
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