LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: Golden Hawks Announce Coaching Change; Express Deep Gratitude to Smith and Longo

TRENTON, ON – The Trenton Golden Hawks organization announced today a change in the leadership of its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season. As the club moves in a new direction, it does so with a profound sense of gratitude for the departing Head Coach Derek Smith and Assistant Coach Tyler Longo.

For the past three seasons, Derek and Tyler have been more than just the voices behind the bench; they have been pillars of the Golden Hawks family.  During their tenure, Smith and Longo oversaw one of the most successful stretches in recent franchise history, including this past season’s historic 92-point campaign.  Operating with a true “open-door” philosophy, Derek and Tyler fostered an environment of collaboration, treating hockey operations, players, volunteer and support staff as a unified committee.

“Derek and Tyler are local people who truly care about the heartbeat of Trenton hockey,” said Director of Business Operations, Tracey Legault-Davis. “They didn’t just show up for practices and games; they helped for our PA Day camps, and our countless community fundraisers. On a personal level, I am incredibly grateful for their mentorship. Coming into my role as a newcomer to the OJHL, they took the time to help me navigate the ‘behind-the-scenes’ inner workings of the league. Much of my success over the past 3 seasons is a direct result of their support and the open-door policy they maintained. They didn’t just coach a team; they supported the entire staff around them, and for that we are all thankful!”

While we celebrate the incredible foundation laid over the past three years, the Golden Hawks organization is keeping a keen eye on the horizon. The world of Junior hockey has seen seismic shifts recently, particularly regarding NCAA eligibility and the evolving relationship with the OHL.

The OJHL landscape is not the same as it was twenty-four months ago and as an organization, we have a responsibility to our players, our fans, and our sponsors to be at the forefront of these changes. We are moving in a new direction that prioritizes a modern scouting and development philosophy, while maintaining the fiscal responsibility necessary to keep this franchise thriving for decades to come.

This “New Era” for the Hawks is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about navigating the new financial and developmental realities of sport. By being proactive today, the Golden Hawks are ensuring that Trenton remains the ‘Gold Standard’ for player advancement and championship-caliber entertainment.

The search for new coaching staff begins immediately. The Golden Hawks remain committed to maintaining a high standard of excellence and community involvement. Further announcements regarding the hockey operations department will be made in the coming weeks.