WHL Kamloops Blazers

Blazers Hire Barry Smith as Head Coach

Published on July 3, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release


KAMLOOPS, BC - The Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club today is pleased to announce the signing of Barry Smith to a three-year contract - with a club option for a fourth year - to serve as the team's new Head Coach.

"We feel very fortunate to have been able to bring a coach and a person like Barry into our organization," says General Manager and Vice President Craig Bonner. "He is a hard-working, intelligent individual whose work ethic is second to none. I feel very comfortable knowing our team will be as prepared as possible heading into every game and if our team works hard and follows our head coach's preparation, we will be a very competitive club."

"Teams tend to take on the personality of their coach and we feel we have the right man leading the way. You can't help but have a good feeling when the coach you have hired comes with high recommendations from people like Brian Burke, Marc Crawford, Alain Vigneault, and Ken Hitchcock," said Bonner.

"I'm totally excited. It's everything I've wanted," says Smith. "It's a great organization with a strong history and solid ownership. We all want to see the team at a point where we are successful and I'm looking forward to being a part of that with the Blazers and here in Kamloops."

Smith joins the Blazers after six seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Vancouver Canucks. Prior to his time in the NHL, he spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with Vancouver's top minor league affiliates in Syracuse, Kansas City, and most recently with the Manitoba Moose. In 2005, the Moose finished second in the North Division and went to the AHL Conference finals.

Smith, 47, was also an Assistant Coach with the ECHL's Baton Rouge Kingfish from 1997 to 1999. He spent the 1996-97 season as Head Coach and General Manager of the Waterloo Blackhawks of the United States Junior Hockey League. Before joining Waterloo, Smith Spent four seasons with the Erie Panthers (ECHL) as both an Assistant Coach (1992-95) and Head Coach (1995-96).

Smith played professional hockey for ten seasons. During that span he spent six seasons as a player/coach in Europe.

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