Another changing of the guard is coming in local hockey.
The Trenton Golden Hawks organization announced in a statement on Friday that it will be moving in a new direction regarding its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Effective immediately, Derek Smith and Tyler Longo will be departing from their roles within the hockey club.
The Golden Hawks organization expressed its sincere gratitude to Derek & Tyler for their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the team over the past 3 seasons.
“Decisions of this nature are never easy, especially after a successful regular season,” stated Golden Hawks Ownership and Management.
“Our standards are high, and we are committed to providing our players and our fans with a program that competes at the highest level every single year.”
The landscape of Junior A hockey is shifting rapidly & with the recent NCAA and OHL rule changes, the pathway for player development has entered a new era.
To remain the premier destination for elite talent, officials with the Hawks stated it must evolve. This transition is about aligning our leadership with the modern demands of the OJHL, ensuring we are not only competing for championships but doing so with a sustainable, financially responsible model that guarantees the long-term success of hockey in the Trenton area.
Further announcements regarding the hockey operations department will be made as the process moves forward.
The Hawks are coming off a third straight East Conference-winning season and has been to three straight Buckland Cup OJHL championship finals in recent years, winning the title in 2025.
