Former Dukes, Hawks head coach finds new home in Cobourg | InQuinte.ca
×
Today's latest storiesUPDATE - More information released about hit and run arrest in BellevilleFormer Dukes, Hawks head coach finds new home in CobourgNew three-year agreement reached between Quinte West, CUPE Local 799.3Gold, Silver and Bronze for Lynx Athletes at U16-U18 Provincials Championships in SudburyKinsmen Pool in Belleville closed for remainder of ThursdayHealth unit offers advice as poor air quality continues in QuinteReduced Glenora Ferry service level on ThursdayPartial burn ban lifted in PECRCAF crew from CFB Trenton to conduct flyby for 100th Anniversary of Royal Canadian LegionBeyond the Headlines - Lauren WilkinsonHeat warning ends but Air Quality Warning upgraded in QuinteOPP continues to encourage seat belt usage to protect against serious injury or deathConstruction on new Napanee in-town trail is now underwayHydrant lead leak repairs on Highway 33 in Carrying Place WednesdayCity of Belleville rewarded with $1.24 million for hitting 2025 building targetCrash at Coleman, Bridge St. West causing traffic blockages and delaysLoyalist College provides update after cyberattackBelleville man charged with spousal assaultBelleville teen charged with assaultBeyond the Headlines - 911 calls about wildfire smoke
Photo: OJHL Images

Former Dukes, Hawks head coach finds new home in Cobourg

By Brock Ormond Jul 16, 2026 | 2:12 PM

A former Wellington Dukes and Trenton Golden Hawks head coach has turned up in a new location.

Derek Smith was announced this week as the new bench boss of the second iteration of the Cobourg Cougars, joining a franchise that was recently relocated from Minden, where they were known as the Haliburton County Huskies.

The former NHL defenceman with the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames spent the past three seasons with the Golden Hawks, winning a Buckland Cup in 2025 and making it to the OJHL final in 2024.

Prior to that, Smith was a head and assistant coach with Wellington, claiming a league title in 2018.

Smith joins general manager Ryan Ramsay in a bid to return the Cougars to the postseason.