The Ottawa Senators announced earlier today they hired D. J. Smith as their new head coach. The Senators new bench boss will face a lot of tough challenges in Ottawa. Smith signed a three-year agreement with the Senators to become the 14th head coach in the team’s history.
“I’m absolutely excited for the opportunity to guide this young team.”
Hear from new #Sens head coach D.J. Smith and general manager Pierre Dorion following this morning’s announcement. pic.twitter.com/CrerBhypel
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) May 23, 2019
D.J. Smith Resume
Smith, 42, spent the last four years being an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before being Mike Babcock’s assistant in Toronto, he was a head coach for the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, winning the Memorial Cup in 2015. Smith had an impressive record of 135-53-3-13 and earned OHL Coach of the Year award with Oshawa.
D.J. Smith is expected to hire his own staff in OTT but goaltending coach Pierre Groulx will be returning in that capacity.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 23, 2019
In his younger years, he was selected as the 41st overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 1995 NHL Draft. He played 45 career games as a defenseman for the Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche.
“D. J. Smith is a winner. We believe he is the best person to drive the development and success of the Ottawa Senators,” said general manager Pierre Dorion. “D.J. is a great communicator and an exceptional strategist. His passionate approach, coupled with his ability to teach the game, is exactly what we were looking for throughout the process. We’re thrilled to welcome D.J. and his family to Ottawa.”
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