Avs Coaching Changes

Jamie Smith has officially stepped down as the Av's coach to concentrate on marketing and GM duties. The following is from the local newspaper.

Avs coach makes the move from the bench to the front office
By JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:46 PM AKDT

WASILLA — For nearly a year, Jamie Smith has manned posts as both the head coach and general manager in the Alaska Avalanche junior hockey organization.

But the franchise has changed considerably within the last few weeks, and so has Smith’s job description.

Now that the hockey franchise has made the transition to a nonprofit organization, Smith is making the move from his position head coach and general manager to his new spot as president of the Avs’ board of directors.
Alaska Avalanche head coach Jamie Smith talks with Alaska Avalanche forwards Ryan Schmidt (6) and Tommy Engseth during a game against the Witchita Falls Wildcats last season. Smith has moved from the bench to the Avs' front office. (ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman)


“I think it’s in the best interest of the whole program,” Smith said. “We need to make sure we make it financially. This is the sole reason for that.”

As president of the franchise, Smith will absorb the duties of the general manager, and hire a new head coach to take his spot on the bench. That announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Smith admitted he was a bit reluctant to take a step away from his head coaching duties after just one season.

“For us to be successful (financially), I have to do that for now,” Smith said.

Smith said he will still lend a hand coaching the team, but his primary duties will involve business and marketing.

With the help of the new head coach, Smith will also manage recruiting and team personnel moves. Smith said there will still be an emphasis on keeping local on the roster.

At times during the 2007-08 season it was tough to juggle the on-ice and off-ice duties, Smith said.

“When you’re gone for 28 days, you’re not getting any business things done,” Smith said. “It’s hard to create revenue streams while you’re out of town.”

Smith has been a part of the franchise since the team moved to Wasilla from Springfield, Mo., more than three years ago.

Upon the organization’s arrival to the Valley, Smith became the team’s marketing director and was later promoted to head coach and general manager.

Smith sees his next move as another promotion, not a demotion from his coaching duties.

In addition to hiring a new head coach, Smith and the Avs are preparing for the 2008 NAHL draft in May, and a series of tryout camps this spring and summer.

NIO coach likely to Avs.

offtheglass wrote:

NIO coach likely to Avs.

Not saying it isn't true, because I really have no idea, but it begs the question: Why leave North Iowa with the Outlaws hosting the Robertson Cup Tournament next season?

North Iowa's coach was the promising prospect at first, but while talks are still in progress, no commitments have been made. Lots of other rumors fying around. Personally, I would love to see a certain FBX asst. coach behind the AV's bench but I think he maybe too happy where he's at right now.

Arch,

The same reason most people change jobs, in short, perceived better opportunity in terms of security and money.

Any new rumors on the new Avalanche coach??

ill do it where do i signup

Star-stud wrote:

ill do it where do i signup

colordao is nice,lotts of sking next time same station

This is absolutley the best thing for the shatalanche. Smith went from 3A to junior A when he wasn't even qualified to coach 4A. This retard was quoted in the newspaper that his goal for the season was to win 20 games, way to instill confidence in your players. That will make them play hard for ya. Smith says he stepped down for financial reasons but in reality players were not going to return to play for him. Unfortunately he is still in charge of player recruitment and is tendering players like Tyler Morgan who couldn't make any of the top midget AAA teams in the state.
Smith is a joke who should have never been hired in the first place and their record proves it.

Futhermore, when coaching at Houston High School 3A with a student body of less than the average attendance of an Avalanche game, Jamie beat-up on teams that had players that were learning to skate, practiced outside, and had to share gear...oneword: DONKEY

NIO coach, Boitz, will/has been offered the coaching job for the Av's. Whether he will accept has yet to be determined. It is correct to say that many players would not come back if given opportunity to go elsewhere as result of year with Smith. Even the local Alaska boys would bolt after the year with Smith. However, so little development of players by Smith during the season that returning players have not improved enough to get spots on other teams.

Do you realize that if Boitz bolts North Iowa, the quality of caoches that would apply for his job with them hosting the Cup finals next year.

NIO would certainly benefit from a situation where Boitz would bolt to wasilla. Avs should be somewhat happy that Smith is no longer the coach, but not be totally happy until this snake is completely out of the organization. FBX should be encouraging that 'certain asst coach' to head to Wasilla, they NEED the Avs to succeed in order to stay as a viable regional rival. Another year or 2 like what they have been having, and they might as well fold up their tents

Any new rumors on a coach??