Smith held the reigns of the Bulldog Hockey program from 1974-1989. It was a period of complete domination for the program as his career coaching mark was an amazing- 266 wins, 19 ties and only 48 losses. He coached his team to 9 league championships, 3 EMASS Finals, and a 1987 Sectional Championship. The team qualified for the State Tournament each of the 16 seasons that Smith was in charge. His success was consistent throughout his career. He retired after the 1989 season while riding a 4 year unbeaten streak in all Hockomock League contests.
But coach Smith was far more than just a winning and championship coach- he was a dignified, class-act who was an amazing role-model for our Bulldog boys in the 70s and 80s. Hundreds of his players look at their years playing under coach Smith as a crucial part of their education and growth as
I graduated CHS in 1989- coach Smith's final season. Although I was not a hockey player, I saw the major impact he had on so many of my friends and classmates. His impact can best be seen by the number of CHS Hockey alumnus who have given back so much to today's Canton youth through coaching our next generations of hockey players over the years and even today. When each of those former coach Smith players take the ice for practice or hit the bench for a game, they bring with them so much of what coach Donny Smith instilled in them.
Coach Smith was also a member of the CHS faculty- as an English teacher for many years before moving on to a career in the private sector.
The CHS Athletic Department would like to extend our condolences to the Smith Family and to all those who look at coach Smith as a major influence on their lives- and that's many, many people.
