Bulldogs mourn the loss of legendary hockey coach Don Smith

Sad news came on the last day of 2016 as legendary former CHS Boys Hockey coach, Don Smith passed away.

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

human beings.

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.

Mike Smith captivates, challenges CHS

Mike posing with some of his
new CHS friends

Canton High School's entire population of students and teachers were treated to an inspiring visit from Mike Smith today. Smith, who has a Youtube station called The HarborTV and is the CEO of several successful companies and non-profits including Skate for Change, shared his story of growing up poor, the challenges of high school, set-backs and thinking beyond himself. It was a message of giving and empathy.  He had CHS thinking and talking about how we can build on our school culture and work to recognize the value in each of us. It was awesome.

Mike met with scores of students
after his talk

In coming months, CHS will stay in touch with Mike.  We will be utilizing his HarborTV curriculum on so many important issues including bullying, social media, culture, race and giving back. He will also stay in touch with our student body through FaceTime and other communication media starting next week.

Nearly two-hundred CHS students supported his Beanies4Life initiative by buying an awesome beanie (winter hat to us old guys) which, in-turn leads to two-hundred homeless heads having warm-hats this winter. Good job CHS. Can't wait to see all those beanies walking into school tomorrow morning. 

I hope that Bulldog student athletes heard the messages about being humble, recognizing those around you, waking up at 6:00am to work to be your best, and doing good- not just wishing it or talking about it, but DOING it.  Let's get to work doing our part to improve our school culture!

Mike Smith speaking to a silent and entranced CHS audience. 

Robillard set to take Softball reigns

The CHS Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jennifer Robillard as our new Head Varsity Softball Coach.

Coach Jen Robillard during her playing days at Sacred Heart Univ.

Robillard, a mathematics teacher at CHS, fills the role previously held by Tracy Andrews- GMS teacher and former CHS Softball star.  Robillard looks to lead a coaching staff with all of the elements needed to put together a successful program.

Robillard was a shortstop for King Philip High School from 2008-20011 where she played a key role on one of the most successful teams in the state. She then moved on to play D1 Softball at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, where she posted an impressive .969 fielding percentage (5 errors in 4 years with 160 put outs). Most recently she was the assistant varsity coach at Masuk High School in Connecticut.

"I could not be happier with being appointed the CHS Softball coach," shared Robillard.  "It's going to be an exciting challenge to bring the program to a higher level of play. It's also going to be a lot of fun!"

Thank you!

1st Tee at Blue Hills Country Club

It's a great time of year to recognize some of the groups out there who quietly have helped our Bulldogs in 2016.  Whenever you publicly thank folks it is a certainty that many others will be missed. The CHS athletic community is held together with the support of so many- it is impossible to thank them all.  But here are a few who help out behind the scenes in no particular order. Be sure to thank them next time you see them!

Blue Hills Country Club- BHCC has been the home of our Varsity Golf team for many years. This year, despite new ownership, was no exception. Blue Hills management and membership welcomed the Bulldog Golf squad with open arms and were amazing hosts. Our team is so lucky to be able to practice and play at one of the premier Golf Clubs in New England.  We are fortunate to have such generous supporters of high school golf at Blue Hills Country Club.

Reebok/Adidas- Despite many changes in their mission and market over the years Reebok/Adidas has been an amazing partner to CHS Athletics.  Each year since their arrival this amazing company has provided $30,000 annually in free  product for our athletes. This has been primarily in the form of uniforms and equipment.It has made an amazing impact on how we outfit and provide equipment to our student athletes. This generous company has done all of this without ever asking for recognition or attention.  Our community should know of this great commitment shown to us by Reebok/Adidas.

Conservation Commission- Eighteen months ago the CHS Athletic Department approached the Con Com looking to utilize Pequitside Farm as a home Cross Country course. The Con Com opened the door to what has been a great two seasons of Cross-Country at Pequitside Farm.  Prior to the move, the teams hosted meets at our home "course" on our campus.  The course had many safety concerns including athletes having to run in the street through traffic. The course at Pequitside is now considered among the best high school courses around. It features all of the elements/surfaces a great Cross Country course should feature including grass, gravel, dirt and limited pavement. It has also been a great opportunity for many visiting families from other communities to see the beautiful property. Thank you to our Conservation Commission for making this happen.

Pequitside Farm

Recreation Department- It is not an easy task keeping our playing fields in top notch shape and that is precisely what our Recreation Department does.  In what is a pretty unique system, the Recreation Department maintains all of the school system's playing fields- and if you have seen the condition of our grass fields, you would be impressed. Thanks to the Rec. Crew for all of your hard work and expertise!

CHS Athletic Booster Club- This group works tirelessly to support our Bulldog Athletic programs. They raise money though memberships, corporate sponsorship and team fundrasiers. Although the club is supported by many, the work in the trenches on behalf of our student athletes is done be a few who do not look to be recognized. On behalf of a grateful Bulldog community, thank you to our active booster club parents. You know who you are!

Canton Ice House- In this our first season in the recently opened Canton Ice House, the red carpet has been rolled out for the Bulldogs. Both our Girls and Boys Hockey programs now call this beautiful facility "home."  We have been provided locker rooms, coaches' offices and most importantly, an amazing feeling of community. Thank you to the owners and management of the Canton Ice House for coming to town!

The "Red Rink" at The Canton Ice House

CPS Maintenance Staff- Another committed group of professionals who are in the trenches and rarely get a pat on the back are the members of the CPS maintenance staff. They are hard workers who show amazing pride in our facilities through their work to maintain them. From our McCloud Field House to WWII Veteran's Memorial Field to our gyms, locker rooms and other grounds, this group does all the things to keep them up, running and looking great.

Mr. Ed McDonough and the CHS TV Production Classes-  CHS students athletes may not know how lucky they are to have our TV Production classes cover so many of our games for local cable. Under the tireless leadership (he actually gets tired a lot from all of this work!) of Mr. Ed McDonough, the TV Production classes bring our games to the small screen for all to see. They capture moments and memories and do it very well. A shout out to the crew at Canton Cable 8 as well! Their professional productions of CHS Athletics feel more like an ESPN production than a local cable company!

Masciarelli Gymnasium Floor Refinished

The Girls Varsity Basketball team hosted Dover-Sherborn tonight in the first-ever game played on the newly resurfaced CHS Masciarelli Gymnasium floor.

The wood floor was installed 13 years ago and was in need of a facelift.  This month's complete sanding and resurfacing gave a completely new look to the playing surface.  The new floor includes the Canton High School logo as well as word-mark.  The basketball court is surrounded by a beautiful green border while the Volleyball court is stained to make it clear.

Thanks go out to the Basketball programs for doing without a main court for tryouts. Thanks for the Town of Canton for supporting the resurfacing project!  The community is invited down to come check it out and check out some Bulldog basketball or wrestling action in the "Mush" Gym this season! Click Here for Bulldog Schedules. Go Dogs!

Mike Smith from The Harbor TV is coming to CHS Wednesday

Mike Smith- coming to CHS 12/14/16

Canton High School is happy to announce that Mike Smith from The Harbor TV will be speaking to the entire student body on Wednesday afternoon.  We are very lucky to have him here speaking to our students and faculty.

Check out this short video for an idea of who he is and what his message is. He is an AMAZING speaker with a hard-hitting message.

Please share this blog post through your social media to spread the word about his visit. Take the time to watch the video below!

Go 'dogs!

Video of Mike Smith