The Lumberjacks would like to welcome U16 Head Coach Mike Smith (right) and U16 Assistant Coach Eddie Montgomery (left) to the Vermont Lumberjacks organization.

Coach Smith is a Level 4 Certified USA Hockey instructor and his coaching philosophy includes strong team play, and a thorough understanding of hockey principles.  He is a teacher of the game on and off the ice.  Coach Smith has been an active coach for the Green Mountain Glades Youth Hockey Program, Essex Youth Hockey and Vermont Hockey Training Center.  Coach Smith’s goal is to provide a place for local players to train, develop and prepare for high school and provide the right mix of individual skill development and team concepts that will help them advance in their hockey careers while playing for the Vermont Lumberjacks on and off the ice. 

“I am very fortunate to be working alongside such great coaches in Coach Montgomery and Mosso and players within the program,” Smith said.

Coach Smith has worked for several summer hockey programs throughout New England like the Northern Vermont Wildcats which places players in nationally bound programs, Prep Schools and Junior Hockey programs like the Vermont Lumberjacks.

“One of my overall goals for this team is expose the players to a “junior hockey” program atmosphere in regards to training and the overall level of competition. I can’t thank the Lumberjacks enough for building this program for our local players who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to play a split season schedule.  By building this program it allows us to prepare them for their high school season,” Smith said.

Coach Smith is an active board member for Vermont State Hockey Association and is the U8 "Grow the Game" coordinator at the state level and is active in player development at the state level.

Coach Edwin Montgomery is a native of Colchester VT.  Montgomery joins the Lumberjacks coaching staff after having experience playing at many levels.  Montgomery played prep school hockey at National Sports Academy (NSA) in Lake Placid prior to competing in the college ranks as well as a short stint playing overseas.  Montgomery finished collegiate career at SUNY Stony Brook University, helping the school win its first league title.  

"I am very blessed to have the opportunity to join the Lumberjacks organization and to have the chance to coach along-side Mike Smith.  I am hoping together we can bring a combination of first-hand experience and knowledge about the game to help these young men advance in their hockey careers," remarked Montgomery.

Edwin is currently a Correctional Officer for the State of Vermont.  Montgomery has coaching experience in youth hockey, helping coach Colchester High School, as well as helping train and run goalie and player camps for Pro Ambitions, where he worked with Mike Buckley training and working with goalies of all levels including NCAA Division I, II, III, ECHL, AHL.  Montgomery hopes to help prepare the athletes for their next step in their careers through his own experiences and knowledge.

Jim Mosso, Assistant GM and Elite Head Coach will be assisting both Coach Smith and Coach Montgomery.  “I am very happy to have a U16 team this year. There has been a void of places to play good quality hockey at this age group in the past.  I am excited to work with both Mike and Eddie, and feel they will do a fantastic job.  We have compiled a team of some of the top younger talent in Vermont.  It will be very entertaining to see them develop as hockey players,” Mosso said.