The Edmonton Oil Kings have hired their sixth head coach in team history, former Edmonton Oilers Captain Jason Smith.
With experience in the NHL, WHL, and AHL, the Calgary product most recently worked as an Assistant Coach with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers AHL affiliate. Smith also has head coaching experience in the WHL, leading the Kelowna Rockets for parts of three seasons from 2016-2019 earning a record of 94-54-12, making the playoffs twice, including one run to the Western Conference Championship Series in 2017.
“The Edmonton Oil Kings organization is very excited to announce the hiring of Jason Smith as our new head coach,” said Oil Kings President and General Manager Kirt Hill. “Jason is a proven leader and will be a great cultural fit for our staff and players. He brings a wealth of knowledge as not only a coach but through his years of playing experience and we’re excited for this next chapter of Oil Kings hockey. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jason, Wendy, and his family to Edmonton.”
Smith served as Captain of the Oilers for five seasons from 2001-2007 and helped lead the Oilers to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. He also served as the Flyers Captain for the 2007-2008 season, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Smith has also represented Canada on two occasions, winning gold at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 1993 and playing at the World Men’s Championships in 2001.
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