About Barry Smith

Barry Smith’s Early Life in Sports

Born on August 21, 1952 Barry Smith grew up in Tonawanda and graduated from Kenmore West High School. After graduating from high school, Barry Smith attended Ithaca College as a triathelete where he played football, hockey, and lacrosse. After graduating in 1972, Barry continued to play football with the Twin City Geminis as a wide receiver. After playing football, he started his career as a coach.

Starting his Coaching Career

In 1976, Barry became head coach for Elmira College’s hockey team. Barry led the team to the NCAA Division II Finalists 2 times with the 1979-1980 team losing in the championship game.

Making his Way to the NHL

In 1986, Barry started his career in the NHL as an assistant and associate coach where he worked with the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Vancouver Canucks. Throughout his career in the NHL, he has won 7 Stanley Cups. Two Stanley cups with Pittsburgh, 3 with Detroit, and 2 with Chicago. Barry Smith also had the honor to work on Wayne Gretzky’s staff in Phoenix from 2005-2007.

Coaching Internationally

After working with the Phoenix Coyotes in the early 2000’s, Barry worked as a head coach with the SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) which is the elite professional league of Russia. While coaching internationally, Barry also was a head coach for the Swedish Elite League, an associate coach for Team USA in 1991 and 2004 World Cups, and an associate coach for Sweden at the 1996 World Cup and the 1998 Winter Olympics.

What Barry Smith Has Been Doing Recently

Barry Smith worked for the Chicago Blackhawks for many seasons as a pro scout, until 2021 where he became the head coach for Djugardens IF Hockey, a Swedish team in the Swedish Hockey League. In October 2021, the team announced Barry’s departure from the team.

Final Thoughts

Barry continues to show his support for the hockey and sports community at Ithaca College, Elmira College and Buffalo. Barry spends his time supporting communities by donating his money and advice to helping hockey teams throughout the world.