D.J. Smith
Hockey Player
Denis “D.J.” Smith is a retired professional hockey player. He started his career in the Ontario Hockey League, playing for the Windsor Spitfires. Leaving the OHL, he advanced to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League. After retiring as a player, Smith became a coach in the OHL, ultimately coaching the Oshawa Generals to a league championship in 2015 before moving into an assistant coach position for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. He was appointed to the head coach position for the Ottawa Senators in 2019.
Born in Windsor, Smith played junior hockey with the Windsor Spitfires from 1994-1997 before moving on to the NHL. After retiring as a player, Smith started his coaching career back with the Windsor Spitfires, acting as an assistant coach from 2005-2011.
D.J. Smith was born May 13, 1977 in Windsor, Ontario. He is married to CTV Windsor news personality Christie Bezaire and they have one son, Colton. Smith divides his time between his home in Windsor and the city of whatever team he may be coaching for.
Sources:
Maple Leafs grooming D.J. Smith to become an NHL head coach
Workhorse D.J. Smith brings his own style to NHL
Senators name Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith new bench boss