Former Edmonton Oilers fan favourite lands himself national level coaching job

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Patrick Frost
December 23, 2024 (5:17 PM)

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Now that the holiday season is officially here, hockey enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for the World Juniors Championship, and former Edmonton Oilers fan favourite Ladislav Smid has landed himself an assistant coaching job for Team Czechia.

The World Juniors will be happening from Thu, Dec 26, 2024 - Sun, Jan 5, 2025, and hockey fans from around their world will be keeping a close eye on their respective countries to see who emerges victorious this year.

Ladislav Smid named assistant coach of Team Czechia

For former Oilers defenceman Ladislav Smid, this opportunity to coach at the national level marks another significant step toward his dream of pursuing a professional coaching career following his long tenure as a pro hockey.

Smid is looking after the Czechia junior defence and the PK in his first kick at the can as an international coach, while Reichel is looking after the forwards and PP with many of the kids on both ends playing in the top pro league back home as Smid did when he was a teenager and playing in the tournament two decades ago.

«It's not like I retired 20 years agosome of these players still remember when I played,»
-Smid

«I like coaching and it's something I would like to do for sure (long-term) but with a younger family (nine-year-old twinse-a boy Ladislav and a girl Zoey-and a three-old boy) I want to be with my kids. They are sad I'm not going to be there for Christmas. Committing to a full-time job in the WHL would be tricky at this time,»
-Smid

«This opportunity I just couldn't turn it down. When Patrik called and offered me this job, I didn't hesitate. He was my head coach at the end of my career in Czechia. Our dads played together on the national (senior) team and for club teams. So there's the connection there,»
-Smid

Ladisalv played a total of 8 seasons for the Edmonton Oilers and was a beloved member of the franchise during his time here.

Smid played parts of 11 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, recording 12 goals and 60 assists in 583 games.

Although the majority of his time spent for Oilers was during the "decade of darkness" he was always a bright star for the organization and fans.

The father of three has adopted Edmonton as his second home and said he has a lot of friends in the city.

Oilers Central would like to congratulate Smid on this incredible new endeavour.

POLL
DECEMBRE 23 \| 203 ANSWERS Former Edmonton Oilers fan favourite lands himself national level coaching job Were you a fan of Ladisalv Smid during his years in Edmonton?
Yes	172	84.7 %
No	31	15.3 %
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