| name = Dhane Smith | image = | caption = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|6|19}} | birth_place = [[Kitchener, Ontario]], [[Canada]] | nationality = [[Canada|Canadian]] | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 3 | weight_lb = 200 | sport = [[Lacrosse]] | league = [[National Lacrosse League|NLL]], [[Premier Lacrosse League|PLL]] | position = Forward | NLL_team = [[Buffalo Bandits]] | PLL_team = [[Chaos Lacrosse Club|Chaos LC]] | NLL_draft = [[2012 NLL Entry Draft|2012]], Round 1, Pick 5 (by Buffalo Bandits) | PLL_draft = 2019 Entry Draft, Pick 10 (by Chaos LC) | career_start = 2013 (NLL) | awards = * [[National Lacrosse League MVP Award]] (2016, 2022) * [[NLL Championship]] (2023) * [[Premier Lacrosse League|PLL Championship]] (2021) * NLL Scoring Leader (2016, 2020, 2022) * NLL First-Team All-Pro (2016, 2020, 2022, 2023) * NLL Single-Season Points Record (135 in 2022) * NLL Single-Season Assists Record (96 in 2022) }}
Dhane Smith (born June 19, 1992) is a Canadian professional [[lacrosse]] player who plays as a forward. He is widely considered one of the greatest offensive players in the history of indoor lacrosse, known for his prolific scoring, exceptional passing, and leadership. He currently plays for the [[Buffalo Bandits]] in the [[National Lacrosse League]] (NLL) and [[Chaos Lacrosse Club|Chaos LC]] in the [[Premier Lacrosse League]] (PLL).
Early Life and Amateur Career
Smith was born and raised in [[Kitchener, Ontario]], Canada. He developed his lacrosse skills through minor lacrosse with the [[Kitchener-Waterloo Braves]]. In his junior career, he played for the [[Six Nations Arrows]] of the [[Ontario Lacrosse Association|OLA Junior A Lacrosse League]]. During his time with the Arrows, Smith was a dominant offensive force, contributing to multiple [[Minto Cup]] championships, including in 2013 and 2014, where he often led the team in scoring.Professional Career
National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Smith was drafted 5th overall by the [[Buffalo Bandits]] in the [[2012 NLL Entry Draft]]. He quickly adapted to the professional level and established himself as a premier offensive talent.- Rookie Season (2013): Smith made an immediate impact, showcasing his scoring ability and vision.
- Record-Breaking Seasons: Smith has set numerous NLL scoring records throughout his career.
- In the [[2016 NLL season|2016 season]], he became the first player in NLL history to record 130 points in a single season (72 goals, 58 assists), earning him his first [[National Lacrosse League MVP Award|NLL MVP award]] and his first NLL Scoring Title.
- In the [[2022 NLL season|2022 season]], he broke his own single-season points record with an astounding 135 points (38 goals, 96 assists). His 96 assists also set a new NLL single-season assist record, surpassing Mark Steenhuis's previous record. This historic performance earned him his second NLL MVP award and another NLL Scoring Title.
- Championship Success: After several trips to the NLL Finals, Smith led the Buffalo Bandits to an NLL Championship victory in the [[2023 NLL season|2023 season]]. He was a crucial player throughout the playoffs, delivering key performances to secure the franchise's first championship since 2008.
- Awards and Recognition: Smith is a multiple-time NLL MVP, NLL Scoring Leader, and has been named to the NLL First-Team All-Pro multiple times (2016, 2020, 2022, 2023).
Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
In the outdoor [[Premier Lacrosse League|PLL]], Smith was drafted 10th overall in the 2019 Entry Draft by [[Chaos Lacrosse Club|Chaos LC]]. He quickly adapted his indoor skills to the field game, becoming a vital part of Chaos's offense. He helped lead Chaos LC to a [[Premier Lacrosse League#Championships|PLL Championship]] in 2021, further solidifying his reputation as an elite lacrosse talent across both disciplines.Playing Style
Smith is renowned for his unique blend of size, strength, and finesse. Standing at 6'3" and 200 lbs, he possesses a powerful shot from range, but also excels in close-quarters finishing. His exceptional vision and passing ability allow him to dissect defenses and set up teammates, making him a dual threat as both a scorer and a feeder. His high lacrosse IQ and competitive drive make him a natural leader on the floor.Career Statistics
- Note: Detailed career statistics for both the NLL and PLL are available on their respective official league websites.
Legacy
Dhane Smith is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and decorated offensive players in professional lacrosse history. His record-breaking performances, numerous individual accolades, and his role in championship victories for both the Buffalo Bandits and Chaos LC have cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats. His impact on the game, characterized by his offensive prowess and leadership, continues to shape the professional lacrosse landscape.References
{{reflist}}External links
- [https://www.nll.com/player/dhane-smith/ Dhane Smith NLL Player Profile]
- [https://premierlacrosseleague.com/player/dhane-smith Dhane Smith PLL Player Profile]