Bryan Smith is a lifelong student of the game and a dedicated leader in the hockey community. Born and raised in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Bryan first laced up his skates at the age of four and quickly fell in love with the sport. After playing youth hockey in the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League (CSHL) and representing his high school team for two years, Bryan pursued higher-level competition at The Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in British Columbia, Canada. There, he trained under the guidance of David Roy and alongside elite-level players, coaches, and NHL professionals, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the game.

Bryan’s playing career spanned several junior teams in North America and included a championship season with the Wooster Oilers. He later competed at the collegiate level with John Carroll University before returning to Wooster to raise a family. Bryan and his wife Kendra, whom he met through hockey, have three children: Keagan, Kylie, and Kaspian.

As a coach, Bryan brings over 15 years of experience across all levels, from U8 to Junior Hockey. He’s a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach with extensive training in the American Development Model (ADM), and has completed all age-specific modules, including goalie, female, and disabled hockey. His coaching resume includes roles with Playmaker Hockey Schools, Edge of Excellence camps across North America, Fritsche’s Hockey Academy, the North Olmsted Hockey Club, and the Westside Sirens girls’ program. He has also served as a Hockey Director and head coach for multiple youth teams in the Wooster area.

Bryan believes in a grassroots approach to development, focusing on individual player growth both on and off the ice. He works closely with families to educate and empower them in their roles as partners in the development process, emphasizing the importance of hockey IQ, confidence, and character.

Off the ice, Bryan brings a wealth of technical and operational experience. He served as Assistant to the Director and Operations Manager at Alice Noble Ice Arena from 2021 to 2024, where he oversaw ice maintenance, facility operations, staff hiring, and customer relations. He is a Certified Ice Technician and Certified Ice Rink Manager through the U.S. Ice Rinks Association and is skilled in Zamboni operation and repair, as well as ice installation, maintenance, and removal. His professional background also includes roles in industrial maintenance and automotive management, where he developed his keen understanding of how things work, leadership, budgeting, and operational expertise.

Now managing ICESMITHS LLC in North Dakota, Bryan brings together his passions for hockey, coaching, mechanical systems, and business development. His leadership drives the company’s mission to grow the game by delivering elite training, mentoring young athletes, educating families, and supporting local hockey communities through rink consulting and accessible development programs, including local small game tournaments, summer vacation tournament teams, and consulting as the Hockey Director for MCHC.