Hockey Canada has named Trenton Golden Hawks head coach and general manager Derek Smith an assistant coach for Team Canada East for next month’s World Junior A Challenge in Truro Nova Scotia.
The Belleville native is in his first season with Trenton following four years with the Wellington Dukes.
Smith was part of last year’s silver medal winning team.
He said, “We want to build around our success last year. We brought home a silver medal, which is an honour, but not our goal.” Smith continued, “It is an amazing accomplishment and I am really excited for the opportunity. It is a very short tournament. We have a lot of expectations and we know what it takes to be successful.”
Joining Smith on the staff is G-Hawks athletic therapist Leah Toffelmire who returns to the role for Team Canada East for a second year.
Landon Wright commits to Maine
Belleville native Landon Wright knows where he’ll be playing hockey in three years.
The 17-year-old graduate of the Quinte Red Devils has confirmed his commitment to join the NCAA Division I University of Maine Black Bears in Orona, ME beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Wright is currently playing with the OJHL’s Collingwood Blues.
