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Spits Lock Up Assistant Coach Jerrod Smith For Two More Years

Jerrod Smith of the Windsor Spitfires in Game 3 of the 2017 MasterCard Memorial Cup against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday May 21, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images
Jerrod Smith of the Windsor Spitfires in Game 3 of the 2017 MasterCard Memorial Cup against the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday May 21, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images
Smith has been with the team for seven seasons

A familiar face will be behind the Windsor Spitfires bench for the next two seasons.

Jerrod Smith has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 33-year-old has been with the team for seven seasons but has been behind the bench as an assistant coach for the past five.

He told AM800 News staying in Windsor is the best fit for his family, and his career.

"The city of Windsor and the organization has been great for us and my career. We're thrilled to be staying in Windsor for the next two years," says Smith.

Smith looks forward to developing a new crop of talent.

"Working with the defence is also something I'm really looking forward to," he says. "A smaller group of kids with a younger core, developing these kids over the next few years is something I'm really excited about."

Working under head coach Trevor Letowski is another key reason Smith decided to resign with the Spitfires.

"The culture that we've created along with Rocky [Thompson], is just going to benefit us moving forward," Smith says. "Our ability to get alone and our personality creates a positive working environment for us."

Photo courtesy of Windsor Spitfires

The Spits also hired Tyler Roeszler as the team's Player Development and Skills Coach.

The 28-year-old, Chatham native was a 15th round pick of the Spits back in 2004.

He will assist the coaching staff by providing structure around skill and individual player development.

— with files from AM800's Gord Bacon.