Prince George Cougars hire new Associate Coach

The Prince George Cougars have themselves a new Associate Coach.

Jason Smith was welcomed to the team on Tuesday by the Cougars. Smith played 1,000 games in the NHL that spanned over 15 seasons. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Kelowna Rockets for the past three seasons.

“I am thrilled that we could bring on Jason, he checks off every box of what we were looking for in an Associate Coach,” commented Cougars’ General Manager & Head Coach Mark Lamb. “He’s been a head coach at this level and had a long career in the NHL. That experience is going to be a great asset for our organization.”

Smith also spent three seasons in the WHL, playing for the Regina Pats. In the 1992-93 season, Smith was named the WHL's Top Defenceman and won a gold medal with Canada at the World Juniors. In the NHL, Smith played for the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Ottawa Senators.

“Mark and I have known each other for quite some time, going back to when I was still playing, and I have a lot of confidence in our relationship. Knowing his work ethic and seeing his commitment to Prince George and the future this team has, it’s an exciting opportunity for myself,” said Smith.

Smith will make his first trip to the CN Centre this Friday at 11:30 a.m.