Canisius coach Dave Smith has received a contract extension that will keep him with the school through the 2012-13 season.
Smith, entering his fifth season leading the Golden Griffins, had his best season last year. Canisius earned its first victories against a nationally ranked team, a CCHA team and an ECAC team en route to a 15-16-6 record.
“In his four seasons at Canisius, Dave has done an outstanding job of building on the tradition of the Golden Griffin hockey program,” Canisius athletic director Bill Maher said in a news release. “He has developed a program that will compete for the Atlantic Hockey Association championship and the NCAA tournament each year. Throughout his tenure, Dave has recruited outstanding student-athletes who represent Canisius College in a positive manner and we look forward to a bright future that our program has under Dave’s leadership.”
In his first four years at Canisius, Smith has developed seven players that have played professionally after leaving school. He has also coached 57 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team honorees.
“I would like to thank Bill Maher, Canisius College and the athletic department for providing me with this opportunity to be part of something special,” Smith said. “It is exciting to be part of the continued growth of our hockey program.
“The commitment that Canisius College has made to my family and our Golden Griffin program is outstanding. We love the people and the community of Western New York and are excited to continue the building process with our hockey team. Canisius College and the athletic department has allowed us to continue the pursuit of our goals — to graduate students, develop high-level hockey players and work with talented people.”
Smith, a former Ohio State player, spent three seasons as an associate head coach at Mercyhurst before joining Canisius. He also was an assistant coach at Bowling Green and Miami.
