A local junior hockey coach and former NHL player is reacting to news about an investigation into Belleville native Marc Crawford’s conduct, by saying Crawford was one of the best coaches he ever had.
Wellington Dukes Head Coach Derek Smith was speaking out after news that Crawford is being investigated for various alleged incidents while coaching with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2006/07 season.
Smith, who played for Crawford in Switzerland, tells Quinte News while the coach was demanding, he always had his players’ best interests in mind.
The allegations coming from former players, including Sean Avery, Patrick O’Sullivan and Brent Sopel, say he kicked and choked them and would attack them personally.
Smith says he never saw Crawford act that way.
Crawford has been suspended by his current club, the Chicago Blackhawks, while the investigation is underway.
