The Ottawa Senators are off to a bad start to the season and the team’s fans are already calling for DJ Smith’s boss. The head coach remains calm and realistic despite the storm.
Since the departure of General Manager Pierre Dorion, there has been a certain amount of chaos within the organization. In addition to their problems in the office, the Sens, bottom of the Atlantic Section, are not performing as well as expected on the ice.
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As is often the case, the coach is often the first to be pointed out. Smith doesn’t need outside criticism because he already carries it on his shoulders.
“We put ourselves under pressure to perform. “This is a reality in professional sports,” said the 46-year-old at a press conference on Monday.
“I am my own biggest critic,” he added. I want the team I coach to play a certain way, to do it well, to do it with energy and together. If we don’t win, […] I come home and I’m tortured. I don’t care about the outside noise.”
No time to listen
With all the negativity surrounding the organization, Smith’s main concern is his two children, who have not yet learned to shut themselves off from criticism. Fans were not friendly towards the father on social media or simply at games.
“I played, I’ve been involved in this sport for a long time. “I can understand people’s frustration,” said the Ontarian. You have the right to be passionate. My work cannot be affected by noise outside. No matter where you train, it will always be there. This is even more true because of social media and that’s why I stay away from it.”
In contrast to the raging tumult, Smith wants to provide a calming presence for his players. He feels very privileged to have this job and, above all, wants to get the best out of the skaters whose talent he has helped develop for more than four years.
“When you win, it seems easy. When you lose, you just want the end result to be a win. Many things happen between the morning practice and the end of the evening that contribute to winning a hockey game. To achieve this we need to tick all the boxes. The best teams do it every day and fall in love with the details,” explained the man whose coaching career began in 2005.
A leader of men
Young Senators captain Brady Tkachuk came to Smith’s defense over the weekend after boos and chants of “Fire DJ” were heard at the Canadian Tire Centre. The coach is proud that his protégé doesn’t let his toes be stepped on.
He will also have to learn to choose his battles, but the pilot believes the 24-year-old striker is already a great leader.
“If a child was being bullied at school, 10-year-old Brady would probably help that child. It’s his way of being. He will continue to be that leader and grow. His game has truly evolved, but he will continue to be a leader who will make this city proud,” Smith said.
The Senators will visit their neighbors in Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Wednesday.