The Swift Current Broncos recently welcomed back a familiar face and fan favourite as a former captain took on a new role with the team.
Zack Smith returned a few weeks ago, diving headfirst into uncharted waters as an assistant coach.
“It's pretty new, so there's a bit of a learning curve and adjustment just being on the bench,” he said. "But you know, once I got to know the players a bit more and the systems, it's a lot easier to pick up on things.”
NEWS:
— Swift Current Broncos (@SCBroncos) December 27, 2023
We have hired Zack Smith as our new Assistant Coach!
Zack is a Bronco Alumnus, and was our Captain back in 07/08!
Join us in welcoming Zack and his family BACK to Swift Current, and the southwest!
MORE: https://t.co/L6gfLTJb5x pic.twitter.com/Y8jIgf6bBw
The Maple Creek native played 221 WHL games, all with Swift Current, from 2004-05 to 2007-08.
Smith went on to play 13 seasons in the NHL, racking up 98 goals and 106 assists in 662 games with the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks.
“Having the experience...that's one of the main reasons [general manager Chad Leslie, assistant coach Regan Darby, and interim head coach Taras McEwen] want to bring me on board,” he said. “Help those older guys and players that their goal is to make it to professional hockey.”
While he’s only at the beginning of his journey coaching, the seasoned player said it’s been a great experience so far.
“They've been very receptive,” he said about the players. “It's a very good group of young kids, very respectful and hardworking and very eager to learn. It's been quite enjoyable that way.”
The 21-15-2-2 Broncos are loading up on talent as they look to go on a deep run in what would be their first playoff appearance since winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2018.
The team acquired star forward Conor Geekie in a blockbuster deal last week, and acquired 2003-born defenceman Tyson Galloway from the Calgary Hitmen for a 2025 second-round draft pick and a 2025 third-round pick on Wednesday. The Broncos also traded 2003-born forward Tyson Laventure to the Victoria Royals for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Swift Current will go for their fourth win in a row when they visit the 20-14-4-1 Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday.