Coach Jeff Smith spent about five years as a coach in Canada, first for three years as an assistant with the Estevan Bruins Junior A team, and then parts of two seasons as the head coach with the Estevan Bears 18U AAA hockey team.  He is now the 16U AA Houston Junior Aeros head coach and recently served as a Team USA evaluator of the Rocky Mountain District. 

 

Smith, who played 16 pro seasons in the AHL, ECHL and in Europe, served as the Estevan Jr. A Bruins Associate Coach beginning in January 2018, helping lead the team to a league championship that season.

 

Smith has an impressive resume of player and coaching experience. A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, he played junior hockey in the WHL, and then played professionally in the ECHL, AHL, and overseas in Europe. He brings with him a pedigree of success, having been a part of teams that have won the Memorial Cup (WHL) and the Kelly Cup (ECHL).

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While in Europe, Smith started his coaching career as a player-coach in the UK and the Netherlands. He returned to Canada to serve as an assistant coach in the SJHL, and later as the head coach for the 18U AAA Estevan Bears.

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Coach Smith's extensive experiences as both a player and coach have influenced his approach to coaching youth hockey, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful as a hockey player both on and off the ice.  

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“Having coached youth players around the world, I’m excited to bring my experience and knowledge to help grow hockey in the Houston area by teaching the basics and fundamentals to create solid, well-rounded hockey players who will know what it takes to play at any level.”