Amherst resident Dave Smith receives contract extension with Canisius hockey

Canisius College head ice hockey coach and Amherst resident Dave Smith will continue to lead the Golden Griffins program through 2010-11 after agreeing to a contract extension.

Smith recently completed his third year with Canisius, helping guide the team to a sixth-place finish in Atlantic Hockey.

"Dave has done an outstanding job leading our program, and his efforts have earned him this extension," said Canisius College Director of Athletics Bill Maher. "He has dedicated himself to building a championship program at Canisius College. The hard work that Dave and his staff have put in has been evident in the team's improvement on the ice and through their involvement in the community."

During his tenure, Smith has helped lead the Griffs to new heights. During the 2007-08 campaign, Canisius recorded its first-ever point against a nationally ranked opponent. Smith also helped guide the Griffs to setting or matching four team and individual records during the season.

In 2006-07, Smith's first full recruiting class earned 12 league honors, including 10 Rookie of the Week accolades, the most of any team in the country.

With the Griffs, Smith has mentored three Atlantic Hockey All-Rookie selections, one each season, plus one Atlantic Hockey Top Scholar-Athlete, four Atlantic Hockey Academic All-Star Team selections and 24 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team honorees.

Before joining Canisius, Smith spent three seasons as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Mercyhurst College, helping the Lakers to two league titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He has also served stints as an assistant coach at both Bowling Green and Miami.

During his seven years as an assistant, Smith recruited and coached 16 all-league winners, four Players of the Year, two Hobey Baker Finalists and two Rookies of the Year.

"I'd like to thank Canisius College and Director of Athletics Bill Maher for the opportunity to work within the athletic department and continue to build our hockey program," Smith said. "I am happy that our family can continue to be part of the western New York community, where we have enjoyed our time during the past three years. Canisius is a great place because of the opportunity to combine Division I hockey with a high-quality education. We will continue to strive to reach our goals of graduating our student-athletes, developing hockey players and developing people through a quality experience."