MONTREAL – Peter Smith, who has spent the past four decades as a coach and sports administrator at McGill University, has announced his retirement.
 
The 68-year-old native of Lachine, Que., had been serving on staff as a varsity coaching mentor since stepping down as head coach of the women's intercollegiate hockey program last September.
 
"I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had over the past 42 years here," said Smith, who helped coach Canada to gold medal victories at both the Turin and Vancouver Olympics in addition to guiding the McGill Martlets hockey club to nine Quebec league titles and four national championships. "I never thought of it as a job and got up early every morning looking forward to coming to the campus. It has been a wonderful journey, which has absolutely flown by. I have built many great relationships with so many incredible people whom I have met, taught, worked with and especially those I have coached. Those friendships will last forever."
 
Smith began his long tenure with McGill Athletics & Recreation in the late 1970s, as a coordinator of the intramurals program, also served a short stint as facilities manager and took over the reins of the women's hockey program in 1999.
 
"Initially, Peter helped our campus recreation grow into one of the premier programs in Canada, then he pivoted to guide our women's hockey team to multiple national championships," said Geoffrey Phillips, executive director of athletics and recreation, who began his administrative career working alongside Smith at McGill. "I thank Peter for his global contribution to the University and the personal mentorship that he provided to me."
 
A member of the varsity swim team during his undergraduate days at McGill, Smith earned a bachelor's degree in physical education (1979) and a master's degree in sports psychology (1986). His wife Vango, who was also a varsity swimmer, is a McGill grad (BA '76) as well. His daughters Christina (BA '06) and Natalie (BEd '06, MEd '08) both played for the hockey Martlets. His older sister Patricia Smith-Grayton also earned two degrees from the institution (BSc '72, LLB '80). Even his son-in-law, Kerwin Clarke (BA '99, LLB '06) is a grad and served as co-captain of the McGill football team.
 
With a fifth grandchild slated to arrive in August, 2021, it's a safe bet that the family legacy on campus will be extended over the next few decades.
 
"I want to thank everyone who provided guidance and support over the years especially my wife Vango and daughters Natalie and Christina," said Smith. "I am also very appreciative of (former athletics director) Bob Dubeau and (basketball coach) Butch Staples who gave me the opportunity to join the athletics department staff in 1979. McGill is an incredible place and will forever be in my heart. I am looking forward to spending more time with the grandkids. A new coaching journey begins."
 
MORE INFO:
SEE SEPT. 2, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT OF PETER SMITH'S RETIREMENT FROM COACHING.


SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Sports Information Officer
Athletics & Recreation
McGill University
TEL: 514-398-7012
EMAIL: earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca