The Prince George Cougars have hired former NHL defenceman Jason Smith as their associate coach.
Smith, 45, a former captain of the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers, played 15 seasons in the NHL, beginning his career with the New Jersey Devils in 1993-94 and finishing with Ottawa Senators in 2008-09. He also played 2 1/2 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL career that spanned 1,008 regular season games and 68 playoff games.
He brings to the Cougars two full seasons of experience as a WHL head coach with the Kelowna Rockets (2016-18), after first joining the coaching fraternity as an NHL assistant with Ottawa. He was a scout for the Senators for two years after his playing career ended.
With Smith at the helm, the Rockets put together back-to-back 40-win seasons and and an 88-44-10-2 record. They made it as far as the Western Conference final in 2017, his first season behind the bench. He was fired on Oct. 22, 2018 after a 4-10-0-0 start.
“I had a lot of experience learning from different coaches at the NHL level and that is one thing in coaching I want to bring to the Cougars," said Smith, in a team release. "Young players today have their own unique way in learning and developing and you have to learn to coach to each individual’s skill set. You have to find what works best for them to grow.”
Smith, a native of Calgary, started his junior career with the Calgary Canucks (AJHL) before moving on to the WHL with the Regina Pats. He also played in the B.C. Junior Hockey League for the Merritt Centennials and Bellingham Ice Hawks. He captained the Pats in 1992-93 and as the WHL's top defenceman that season helped Canada win gold at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden.
Smith was drafted 18th overall by the Devils in 1992 and helped their AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats, win the Calder Cup championship in 1995, after missing most of the season with a knee injury.
“I am thrilled that we could bring on Jason, he checks off every box of what we were looking for in an associate coach,” said Cougars general manager and head coach Mark Lamb. “He’s been a head coach at this level and had a long career in the NHL. That experience is going to be a great asset for our organization."
Smith played for the Oilers in 2001-02, while Lamb was with the team as assistant coach.
“Mark and I have known each other for quite some time, going back to when I was still playing, and I have a lot of confidence in our relationship," said Smith. "Knowing his work ethic and seeing his commitment to Prince George and the future this team has, it’s an exciting opportunity for myself."
Smith will be on hand for media interviews at CN Centre Friday at 11:30 a.m.
