Former Ottawa Senators’ assistant coach for the past two seasons, Jason Smith, is the new head coach for the Kelowna Rockets.
The team’s president and general manager, Bruce Hamilton, made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon at Manhattan Point Restaurant in Prospera Place.
“I think he’ll fit in really well with the team we have and with the existing coaching staff,” Hamilton said.
Smith, 42, is a former captain of the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.
He played 1,008 games over his 15-year NHL career.
Smith, who retired in 2008, used to play in the WHL himself.
He played for the Regina Pats before moving on to the NHL where he played with New Jersey, Toronto, Edmonton, Philadelphia and Ottawa.
“I’m excited,” Smith said.
“I think this is a good fit… I’m looking forward to moving to Kelowna and the challenge of coaching the Rockets.”
He said he shares similar values as Hamilton when it comes to what it takes to lead a team to success, including developing good men, not just good players.
Smith and his wife Wendy have two daughters, one of them is in university and the other is in grade 12.
The former defenceman is the Rockets’ 10th head coach in the team’s 25 year history and has signed a three-year contract.
The Rockets’ home opener is on September 24 and the team opens the 2016 WHL preseason on Sept 3.