August 1, 2025
“…hometown defenceman, NHLer, champion and respected coach whose roots and impact run deep in the Quinte hockey community.”
Ontario Junior Hockey League coach Derek Smith will be inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
The head coach of the defending OJHL champion Trenton Golden Hawks is one of five members of the hall’s class of 2025 inductees, it was announced Wednesday.
“The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame exists to honour those who have made a lasting mark on our sporting community,” said hall of fame chair Ian Press.“This year’s inductees embody the passion, dedication, and excellence that inspire us all, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements.”
Smith, the former NHL and Wellington Dukes defenceman, was named OJHL Coach of the Year in 2020 after leading the Dukes to the league’s regular season championship.
Smith’s official hall of fame bio reads:
“Derek Smith’s hockey journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership and a deep love for the game. Born and raised in Belleville, he hit the ice with the AAA Quinte Red Devils before suiting up for the Wellington Dukes. Over four seasons (2000–2004), Smith became a fan favourite, helping the Dukes capture the Buckland Cup in 2002–03 and leading the team as captain in his final year.
His steady presence on the blue line earned him a Division I scholarship to Lake Superior State University where he played from 2004 to 2007 and was named to the CCHA Second All-Star Team in his senior year. Undrafted but undeterred, Smith signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators in 2007 and spent the next four seasons with their AHL affiliate in Binghamton. He logged 332 games, racked up 142 points—ranking 7th all-time in franchise history—and helped guide the team to a Calder Cup championship in 2011.
Smith earned his NHL debut with Ottawa before joining the Calgary Flames in 2011, where he played 94 games. He scored his first NHL goal on November 29, 2011, against future Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne and was named third star of the game. His career later took him to Switzerland, the KHL, and back to the AHL before retiring in 2017 due to injury.
Returning home, he rejoined the Wellington Dukes as assistant coach, eventually taking over as head coach in 2019. In 2023, he was named head coach and GM of the Trenton Golden Hawks, continuing to shape young athletes with the same heart and determination that defined his own playing days.
The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct Derek Smith, hometown defenceman, NHLer, champion and respected coach whose roots and impact run deep in the Quinte hockey community.”
The Induction Ceremony will take place on Sept. 13 with festivities commencing with a reception at 1 p.m. in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. Admission to the ceremony is free.
Other members of the class of 2025 inductees include:
Ken Smith – Builder (Basketball)By Chris Mayberry OJHL/ Stouffville Spirit
Todd Crawford – Athlete/Builder (Multisport)
Rick Fralick – Athlete/Builder (Boat Racing)
Joanne Moring – Athlete (Weightlifting)