USING READ-AND-REACT SKILLS TO IMPROVE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
LIVEA quick Google search of the NHL coaches with the most Stanley Cup championships will reveal Scotty Bowman has the most all-time with nine. One name not on the list that should be, however, is Barry Smith, who was an Assistant Coach under Bowman for five Cup wins, adding two more wins later in his career, for seven in total. Winning the Holy Grail with Bowman is in fact the proudest moment of Smith’s incredible career.
Smith coached in the NHL for more than 20 years before moving behind the bench in the KHL, NLA and SHL. The 71-year-old from Buffalo, New York, is a firm believer in not over coaching, instead listening to the leaders on your team and making hockey fun. Smith is a member of both the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.