Seven-time Stanley Cup champion joins Ukraine's national team coaching staff
Barry Smith (photo: Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation)
The coaching staff of Ukraine’s national ice hockey team has received an experienced boost. American coach Barry Smith, 74, has joined head coach Oleksandr Bobkin’s team as a coaching consultant, according to the press service of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine.
What experience does Ukraine’s new coaching consultant have?
During his long coaching career, Barry Smith has worked with clubs in North America and Europe, and has also been involved with the national teams of Norway, Italy, the US, and Sweden.
The American achieved his greatest successes in the National Hockey League. He won the Stanley Cup five times as an assistant head coach: twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins (1991, 1992) and three times with the Detroit Red Wings (1997, 1998, 2002).
Smith earned two more championship titles with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 while serving as the director of player development. Thus, he has seven Stanley Cups in his collection.
What is Ukraine’s national team preparing for?
Oleksandr Bobkin’s team is currently in Poland, preparing for its European Cup of Nations games. At the November tournament, Ukraine will face the national teams of Poland, Great Britain, and Italy.
Next year, Ukraine’s team is scheduled to play in the top division of the World Ice Hockey Championship. The tournament will take place in Germany in May 2027.
