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Storm part ways with goaltending coach

Matt Smith's replacement expected to be named soon
20160829 Storm popovich and smith ts
Nico Daws gets some pointers from Storm goaltending coach Matt Smith at the Sleeman Centre Monday in August of 2016. GuelphToday file photo

After six years as goaltending coach with the Guelph Storm, Matt Smith and the team have parted ways.

Smith said there are no hard feelings, it's just a matter of not being able to make the time commitment the job requires as he needs to focus on his business and family.

"I would have loved to have worked something out with the Storm and continued, but people forget how much time and effort goes into being a goalie coach at this level, and for very limited money," said Smith, who operates a goaltending school in Cambridge.

"I just need to spend a little bit more time on the business side and with family and friends ... I just don't think it would have been fair for me to continue with the organization, but i have nothing but positive things to say about the organization.

"I was here for six years and I'm pretty proud of the work we did."

Smith joined the Storm as a 22-year-old, hired by Mike Kelly.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity," he said.

Storm coach/general manager George Burnett said their were no hard feelings.

"We met at the end of our season and went through our discussions and we've agreed to go in different directions, both ot us," Burnett said.

"No ill will. Matt works hard and did a good job."

Burnett said he expects to hire a new goaltending coach in the near future.


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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