NEW ASSISTANT COACH SMITH READY FOR CHALLENGE
NEW ASSISTANT COACH SMITH READY FOR CHALLENGE
Jim Parker, Windsor Star
PHOTOS: NICK BRANCACCIO
After two seasons serving as video coach for the Windsor Spitfires, Jerrod Smith is ready for a new challenge as the club’s assistant coach.
The 29-year-old Smith was promoted to the post July 24th after David Matsos left to become associate coach of the Sudbury Wolves.
“I’m ready and capable of a lot more and they’ve given me an opportunity to do so,” said Smith, who was given a two-year contract extension with the promotion through 2015-16.
“You have to start somewhere and I’ve learned so much from Bob (Boughner, the club’s head coach), Warren (Rychel, the club’s general manager) and the rest of the staff about the league, systems and the modern game and how things have changed.
“To hear the perspective from guys that have played 10 years in the NHL is amazing.”
The Matsos hiring in Sudbury happened in a matter of days and Smith was surprised to get the news from Boughner.
“It’s kind of sunk in now,” he said. “When I got the phone call, it was shocking news.
“It’s sad to see Matty go. He was a great part of the organization and great to be around. It’s great for him and for me, so it’s a win-win.”
Smith quickly headed back to Windsor and got to work on some of his new duties, which include setting up billet homes for players this year.
READ FULL STORY @WINDSORSTAR.COM
