THE BATTLEFORDS — The name Martin Smith is synonymous with North Stars greatness. Once a player on the team, with a long history of success stories, it was recently announced that Smith will be the head coach for the Battlefords SJHL team.
Smith was the all-time North Star franchise leader in goals with 158 and 376 points. He was a three-time Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League all-star. He led the SJHL in scoring in his final season earning 51 goals and 85 assists making for 136 points.
As a coach, Smith won back-to-back Saskatchewan U18 AAA Coach of the Year awards in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.
This rich hockey history and success made Smith an excellent fit for leading the Battlefords North Stars for the 2024-25 season, as he knows what it takes to succeed.
Asked what this new role means to him, Smith responds, “I am extremely honoured to be named head coach. To be honest it’s a dream come true. The organization has been such a huge part of our families’ life. From my dad’s involvement as team and league governor for 10 years, my nephew Kian playing here the last couple of seasons, and obviously, my junior career playing with the North Stars, as well as serving as an assistant coach in the early 2000’s for a couple of seasons.”
Smith says his job is to develop players on and off the ice to win hockey games. The new head coach says his focus will be to improve this hockey club each day, and their end goal is to win a league championship, as that is why players play and coaches coach.
“To win, teams must be able to handle adversity. I am excited about the possibilities with this club. The players have been through a lot of adversity so far and handled it great,” adds Smith.
Asked how the players have adjusted to early season changes, Smith replies, “It's early, but as I have been on the bench a few times as well as practice before the official announcement, the players have adjusted well. Assistant coach Owen Lamb has done a great job and continues to do so. I coached Owen for three seasons in the past so we are familiar with each other and the systems we use. It’s a nice fit.”
Smith says his family is extremely supportive and is very happy about the opportunity he has been given.
“The amount of support I have received from family and friends has been overwhelming. I am very grateful.”
In the media release from the North Stars announcing the new head coach on their website, President Kyle Kellgren states, “Right from the beginning Martin jumped on board to help out wherever he could from running practices to hitting the bench for the games. He got comfortable with the players, and staff and really became the puzzle piece we were currently missing. After some back and forth with Smith, we were finally able to land what we as an organization believe to be the best man for the job.”
The North Stars will finish off October on the road with games Oct. 25 and 26 in La Ronge against the Ice Wolves, then head into November with four home games. You can find the complete schedule either on the team’s website or on the SJHL website.
