The Selkirk Steelers are happy to announce the hiring of Ryan Smith as the head coach for the 2009/10 season. Ryan joins the Steelers after spending last season with division rival Winnipeg South Blues. The Blues were Ryan's first head coaching job after spending the previous 11 years playing professional hockey in Germany. During this time he captured 2 German championships. Prior to heading overseas Ryan spent 3 seasons playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons. During this time Smith was selected to represent Canada at the '98 Nagano Cup in Japan and the '99 World University Games in South Korea. Ryan played his minor hockey in St. James and went on to play 3 seasons in the MJHL with the now defunct St. James Canadians. In his rookie year the Canadians made it to the Centennial Cup, now known as the Royal Bank Cup. Ryan, his wife Kelly, son Kai and daughter Vayda now call Headingley, MB home. The Selkirk Steelers want to welcome Ryan and his family into the Steelers family and would like to wish him much success in the upcoming season.

if he is so good why did he leave the blues?

It's a good hire, showed promise with a lousy team last season. Sure he's not very experienced as a head guy, but I think if the Steelers cut him some slack and allow a few mistakes, he'll develop into a pretty good coach! Wonder who they'll hire to fill out the staff?