As the 2023-24 hockey season approaches, the Owen Sound Attack announced today the hiring of new goaltending coach Matt Smith. Smith spent the past two seasons as Goaltending Coach of the Soo Greyhounds and is currently the president and owner of Matt Smith Goaltending Inc.
Smith has eight years of Ontario Hockey League coaching under his belt. Six of those years spent with the Guelph Storm setting franchise records, wins and shutouts such as minutes played (Garret Sparks 2013), team MVP awards (Garret Sparks 2013, Justin Nichols 2015), Top rookie goaltender award (Matthew Mancina 2014) and OHL Championship in 2014 at 24-years-old. The resident of Kitchener, Ontario has also seen nine of his clients drafted or signed by National Hockey League clubs and seen three clients play in NHL games over the past three seasons.
“When Mr. DeGray presented the idea of coaching in Owen Sound, I felt very fortunate. It is such a privilege to coach in this league,” said Smith. “The organization feels like a great fit both from a community and location standpoint. I am excited to get to know the staff and players better in the coming months and can’t wait to get started.”
Attack General Manager Dale DeGray is very happy with what Smith will bring to the coaching staff and to the development of the teams goaltending prospects.
“We look forward to having Matt a part of the organization. He has done a great job developing goalies in the past and has a tremendous knowledge of the OHL,” DeGray says. “I look forward to seeing him push our goalie prospects and help them reach their personal goals.”
Smith will get his first look at the Attack’s goaltending pool when training camp opens on Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
