There will be a new bench boss for the Prince Albert Mintos next season.
The team announced on Thursday night that Doan Smith has been hired as the team’s new head coach, taking over the position from Tim Leonard who retired at the end of the season.
Smith says he is chomping at the bit to get started with his duties as head coach.
“I’m excited, ready to get going. There’s lots to do just based on me having to get caught up with the process of where they’re at. It’s that time of year with spring camps going up and recruitment wise, so busy right away, kind of thrown into it. There is great support staff here. From GM to scouts to the board members to the coaches that were there last year, they’ve set me up for success right away, and ultimately I’m excited to get rolling.”
Smith will put a lot of miles on the recruitment trail during his first summer as the Minto head coach. Prince Albert graduates several players from last year’s team and will need to solidify the lineup heading into next season.
Smith says the Minto scouting staff has done a phenomenal job and he is looking forward to evaluating several players during the offseason.
“There’s a great prospect pool that they’ve been in communication with over the year and we have a handful of spots that we need to figure out to solidify our lineup before next season. It’s just getting in the process of helping out and watching some players and with camp coming next week being hands-on there and going from there. For me, it’s just getting eyes on kids and being a soundboard for the scouts that already know them better than most and worked with them to see what our team needs and fit it all together.”
Smith is no stranger to U18 AAA hockey having served as an assistant coach with the Prince Albert Northern Bears in the Saskatchewan Female Under-18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) last season. During his day job, Smith also serves as the Saskatchewan Area Manager for the Global Sports Academy and the STIX hockey program.
Smith says he enjoyed his time with the Northern Bears program and taking that role inspired him to apply for the opening with the Mintos.
“I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with the Bears program on the female side and working with that high school group of athletes. I owe a lot to those girls and those staff members for allowing me that opportunity this season. I’m fortunate enough to work with student athletes on a daily basis in my full-time job. I think a big reason for why I wanted to do this and throughout this process is it’s not about me, it’s about them.”
The Mintos have not formally announced assistant coaches for next season.
sports@paherald.sk.ca
