Wolves hire former Greyhounds star, T-Birds coach

Former Soo Greyhounds defenceman and Soo Thunderbirds head coach Jordan Smith has been hired by the Sudbury Wolves.

The Sudbury Wolves are adding a name familiar to many northern hockey fans to the team's coaching staff.

On Wednesday, the Wolves announced the team has hired Jordan Smith as associate coach.

Smith, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, played four years with the Soo Greyhounds between 2001 and 2005. He suited up for 224 regular season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League.

“It is an honour to join the Sudbury Wolves Organization and be given an opportunity to work with Cory (Stillman) and the entire staff at building this team into an OHL contender,” said Smith.

“It is an exciting time for the players, staff and loyal fans of the Wolves, as we embark on a new era in Sudbury. I am thrilled to be a part of it and can’t wait to get going. This would not be possible without the support of my family, the Thunderbirds organization and my former players for the opportunity to begin my coaching career and for that I will be forever grateful.”

Smith was drafted in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2004 Entry draft and played 60 games in the American Hockey League before his career was cut short due to an eye injury. He played out his hockey career in the OUAA with the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.

Smith, a graduate of Lakehead began his coaching career in 2012-13 with the Thunder Bay North Stars and most recently for the past four seasons coaching with the Soo Thunderbirds in the NOJHL.

“After an extensive search I am happy to announce Jordan as our Associate Coach. Jordan was a strong defenceman in this league (OHL) and a second round draft choice of Anaheim in 2004,” said Stillman.

“For the past four season’s he’s been coaching the Soo Thunderbirds with great results and great success and I am excited he will be joining Darryl Moxam and myself on the coaching staff. I believe his experience as a defencemen will strengthen our D-core. He is a good person who overcame a tough career ending injury and he has persevered. He is someone who I believe makes our entire team stronger moving forward.”

“This is another key person in the program. Jordan exemplifies the characteristics we hold in high regard and it starts with player development.  Cory led the search for the person he saw had the skill and capability to the management of the bench and complement how our systems will be developed and implemented. Together we think Jordan will have an immediate impact,” added Rob Papineau, Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.

Wolves training camp opens on September 1.