Hounds Hire Matt Smith as Goaltending Coach

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. – The Soo Greyhounds are pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Smith as the team’s Goaltending Coach heading into the 2021/22 season.

The 31-year-old Waterloo, Ont. native is currently the President and Lead Instructor of Matt Smith Goaltending Inc., where he’s had tremendous success since the inception of the company in 2009.

Over the past three seasons, Smith has had five students drafted into the NHL, including 2020 OHL Goaltender-of-the-Year, Nico Daws. Dating back to 2009, he’s also directly overseen the development of 22 goaltenders who have been drafted into Major Junior hockey.

“We are fortunate to be able to add Matt to our staff for the upcoming season,” Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis said. “Matt has a proven track record of developing goaltenders and helping them get to the next level. Knowing Matt and his philosophies, he’s going to be a great fit for our staff and for our team’s goaltenders.”

This won’t be Smith’s first foray into the OHL as he previously spent six seasons working with the Guelph Storm as the team’s Goaltending Coach, which was highlighted by an OHL Championship in 2014 when he was just 24-years-old.

During his time with the Storm, Smith would also help guide the team’s goaltenders in setting the franchise’s records for wins, shutouts, and minutes played. Goaltenders under his tutelage also took home the D.W. Minty Award for the Top Rookie Goaltender (2014) and a World Junior Gold Medal (2013).

“I am extremely excited to have the privilege of working with a first-class organization like the Soo Greyhounds,” Smith said. “I have a great amount of respect for the Greyhounds organization and the support they have from the Sault Ste. Marie community. In my discussions with Kyle Raftis and John Dean it’s clear to see why they have success and the winning culture they’ve created. I look forward to playing a role in the development of our goaltenders and hopefully bring a Memorial Cup back to the Soo.”

Smith’s role with the Greyhounds follows a strong track record of advancement to the professional ranks, with the team’s most recent four incumbents all moving from the Soo to professional hockey: Dan Stewart (St. Louis Blues, NHL); Colin Zulianello (Stockton Heat, AHL); Jon Elkin (Toronto Marlies, AHL); and Seamus Kotyk (Buffalo Sabres, NHL).

For more information visit soogreyhounds.com.