Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Behind the Bench: Dave Smith
In Behind the Bench, College Hockey, Inc. will introduce college hockey head coaches from around the country and provide some insight into their approach, their program and their background, in their own words.
Our 12th subject is Canisius’s Dave Smith, who will enter his seventh season with the Golden Griffins in 2011-12.
WHAT IS?
The best way to describe your coaching style?
Active. Involved and Prepared. Our staff prefers an up-tempo style of play that is conducive to scoring goals and pressuring the puck.
Your favorite part of coaching?
Seeing the players develop from freshmen who are wide eyed to mature young men ready for any challenge the world can throw at them. The four years of college really prepares them for life and being a part of that is a great feeling.
The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?
Provide another voice on what is important to our program. That starts with the recruitment of young men that fit our profile academically, athletically and socially. They are the filter into our program. Once a student-athlete arrives on campus our assistants are available to all our players and develop a special bond with them.
Your favorite thing about college hockey?
Games. The atmosphere, the excitement builds through the week and peaks on Friday night. The emotion is high and the passion is on your chest.
Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?
Tim Hortons.
Something unique or noteworthy about your school?
5 minutes from the Ontario border.
The best advice you could give a young player hoping to make Division I?
Continue improving. Never stop getting better.
The best advice you would give parents of a young hockey player?
Let your hockey player choose his path and give them guidance and advice on that path. Don’t leave them alone and don’t choose for them.
The best advice you ever got?
From my dad: Do well in school and the rest will take care of itself. Continue learning and never stop improving.
The most important trait you look for in a player?
Competitiveness.
The biggest win of your career?
Double overtime to send Canisius to AHA final four.
A game you look forward to each year?
The first one of the season. The excitement to see where every one is at after 6 months of training and practice.
WHO IS?
Your biggest coaching influence?
Rick Gotkin – Mercyhurst
An NHL coach you admire?
Davis Payne – St. Louis Blues
A coach you admire outside of hockey?
Mike Rappl (Women’s Softball Coach – Canisius College)
A former player you’re particularly proud of?
Jordan Sigalet – former BGSU goalie who played with MS
An unsung hero in your program (on or off the ice)?
Joe Van Volkenberg – Assistant to the Director for Campus Ministries
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Author
John Wooden
Book
The Tipping Point
TV show
SportsCenter
Movie
The Thomas Crown Affair
Web site
GoGriffs.com
Vacation spot
Britt, Ontario
Pro team
Toronto Blue Jays
Sport besides hockey
Softball
Time of year
Spring
Quote
If you don?t know where you are going?be careful, you may end up there.