Broncos hire former captain as new assistant coach

Zack Smith has come full circle as he is now an assistant coach. Here, Smith in 2005.

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The Swift Current Broncos announced on Dec. 27 that they have hired Zack Smith as an Assistant Coach with the club.

“We are very excited to add Zack to our staff,” said Broncos General Manager Chad Leslie. “Zack cares about this organization a great deal and brings a tonne of playing experience for our players to draw from. He is a quality person and we look forward to having him here for the rest of the season.”

Smith, a Maple Creek, Sask. product, is a Swift Current Broncos alumnus, playing 221 regular season games with the Broncos from 2004 to 2008, and was the team’s Captain in 2007/2008. Smith scored 41 goals and added 69 assists for 110 points during his time with the Broncos in the regular season. He also added 12 points in 21 playoff games.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Broncos organization and community again,” Smith said. “I’ve been able to watch a few games, talk with staff and players and I can’t wait to join this very promising group and be a part of a big push in the second half of the season. This will be my first time trading in my stick for a whistle, so I am looking forward to learning from some respected hockey minds in Taras [McEwen], and Regan [Darby].”

After his time in the WHL, Smith was drafted 79th Overall in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators, a team he would go on to play 11 seasons with the, and then one with the Chicago Blackhawks. He played in 707 regular season and playoff games, scoring 100 goals, and adding 113 assists. Smith also played 200 AHL games, and won a Calder Cup in 2010/2011 with the Binghamton Senators.

Smith is also an alumnus of the Swift Current Legionnaires (U18AAA), and the Swift Current Broncos (U15AA).

Smith will join the Broncos on the bench December 27 in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes.