Dual role for Jordan Smith
Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have confirmed that veteran head coach Jordan Smith has been given the added responsibilities of general manager.
The 30-year old Smith will report to Denny Lambert, who is the director of hockey operations for The Tech 1921 Ltd., which recently took over stewardship of the two-time, reigning NOJHL champions.
Smith has guided the Thunderbirds to two NOJHL titles and one Dudley-Hewitt Cup, Central Canada championship in three seasons as head coach.
“I am both very excited and humbled by the opportunity Denny and The Tech have given me to lead this organization in an expanded role,” said Smith. “It is without question that the Thunderbirds organization will continue to operate as a premier program with emphasis on development and education.
“We will continue our pursuit of excellence through hard work, discipline and accountability, while maintaining our strong reputation as students, athletes and leaders in our community,” Smith added.
In taking over as GM of the Thunderbirds, Smith replaces Jamie Henderson, who recently resigned his position with the NOJHL champs.
Moving forward as coach-GM of the Thunderbirds, Smith will have plenty of support in the hockey department.
Former Thunderbirds head coach from several years ago, Toots Kovacs — who also has experience as an Ontario Hockey League assistant coach with the Soo Greyhounds — will be Smith’s associate coach.
Of note, Kovacs was an assistant with the Greyhounds alongside the aforementioned Lambert when Craig Hartsburg was head coach.
Meanwhile, holdover assistant coach Ryan Maunu will return for another season with the Thunderbirds while Mark Hebert has been named assistant general manager.
And former Greyhound left winger and long-time National Hockey Leaguer Chris Simon will join the Thunderbirds as a scout.
This is more like it. Great News … Jordan will do a GREAT job.
The way I see it giving the added responsibilty’s to Jordan Smith means that the chances are that the Thunderbirds will repeat as League champions.
The addition of “Toots” makes the Team better and will be good for dissipline as well as OHL experience.
Nothing but the highest regard for Coach, and now GM, Jordan Smith. This team will be unbeatable in the NOJ, and will compete for the RBC before long. Success breeds success. I hope the Academy idea develops local talent to the highest calibre.