After a long and intensive search, the Innsbruck ice hockey club has found a successor to Mitch O’Keefe in Jordan Smotherman. The 37-year-old American knows Europe from his playing days and also wants to make a name for himself as a coach with the Haie.
After four years with Mitch O’Keefe, who moved to the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in the DEL, a new coaching era is beginning at the Haie. When it came to the requirements profile, they relied on the tried and tested: young, hungry, modern. From North America with European experience.Meticulous worker “I conducted a lot of interviews and obtained background information,” said sports manager Max Steinacher. In the end, the decision fell on the American Jordan Smotherman. “Everyone described him to me as a meticulous worker.”Five European stopsAs a player, the 37-year-old, who made four NHL appearances (1 goal/Atlanta Trashers), also played in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Northern Ireland The experience as a head coach is limited to two seasons with the Worcester Railers (ECHL), for which he played and was captain in 2021/22. “The first year was very challenging. “Suddenly I was a coach for my former teammates and friends,” said Smotherman. Sharks as a stepping stone The sharks should be a stepping stone for him. As for O’Keefe. “We are very pleased. His modern way of working and philosophy fit perfectly into the Haie family,” said boss Günther Hanschitz. Six more LegionnairesThe coaching question has been clarified, there are still six spots open among the Legionnaires. Five strikers, one defender. “Smo” should also get involved. “That was important to me,” explained Steinacher.
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