D.J. Smith Biography - Net Worth, Wife, Children

Birth DateMay 13, 1977
Birth Name Denis Joseph Smith
Age 47
Also Known As D.J. Smith
Height 6' 2''
Weight 205 lbs
Father's Name Denis Smith
Mother's Name Marina Smith
Birth Place Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Birth Sign Taurus
Nationality Canadian
Profession Ice Hockey Coach
Partner Christie Bezaire
Relationship Status Married
Eye Color Brown
Hair Color Black
Children Colton Smith, Brock Smith, Mickey Smith
Awards Honors Memorial Cup (2015)
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._J._Smith_(ice_hockey)

D.J. Smith is the head coach of the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League. The NHL coach, a great communicator, and exceptional strategist, has guided several ice hockey teams to valuable wins and achievements. The Senators’ head coach also had an impressive playing career.

Smith was named an assistant coach of Hockey Canada for the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Canada’s men’s team was also guided by the coaching team, including Claude Julien and Shane Doan. Now, let’s learn how a homegrown athlete transitioned from playing in a minor league to coaching the national team.

Was Born In Windsor

On May 13, 1977, Denis Joseph Smith was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. From a very young age, he was competitive and passionate about hockey. D.J. always wanted to play in the NHL. So, he must have worked hard from earlier to fulfill his dreams.

The hockey personality’s passion for sports likely came from his dad. D.J. Smith’s father, Denis Smith, was the captain of the Basketball team at the University of Windsor. Likewise, D.J.’s mother, Marina Smith, also seems like a sports enthusiast. She often attends her son’s team’s hockey matches. Moreover, the coach has remained silent about his educational background.

Also Read: Learn More About Susan Silver’s Biography

D.J. Smith Net Worth And Career

Denis has been working hard endlessly from a young age to reach where he stands today. From playing at the 1991 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament to coaching the Ottawa Senators, the NHL coach has carved a beautiful journey of his own. The success and popularity over the years must have added enormously to D.J. Smith’s net worth.

D.J. was drafted in the second round, 41st overall, at the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He appeared in 45 career NHL games combined with the Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. Simultaneously, he had a successful career working for OHL teams like Windsor Spitfires and Oshawa Generals and St. John’s Maple Leafs, and Hershey Bears in the AHL.

Here are some of D.J. Smith’s salaries from his playing career.

Season	Team	Salary
2002-03	–	$450,000
2003-04	Hershey Bears	$500,000

Table Source: HockeyZonePlus

Unfortunately, D.J. Smith’s playing career was cut short due to concussions. But, he took it as an opportunity and quickly shifted his focus to becoming a coach. He started his coaching career with Windsor Spitfires, where he previously played. After that, the former player served as head coach of Oshawa Generals for three years. Then, he took the opportunity to work with Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach, from where his NHL career took off.

Well, Smith is now the 14th head coach of the Ottawa Senators. His news of appointment was announced by the team’s general manager Pierre Dorion on May 23, 2019. Initially, the ice hockey coach had signed a three-year contract with the Senators. And, in July 2021, he signed a two-year extension with them.

Although the contract amount and his salaries have not been disclosed, Smith must be earning well. Thus, D.J. Smith’s net worth must have increased significantly with his earnings as a head coach.

Who Is D.J. Smith’s Wife?

Following his impressive professional growth and success, the Windsor native’s love life has also received massive attention from the media and general public. Speaking of which, D.J. is a married man. He is a loving husband to Christie Bezaire, graduate of the University of Windsor. Coincidently, the couple shares the same hometown where they first met in the mid-2000s.

DJ Smith's Wife Christie Bezaire — D.J. Smith is married to his wife, Christie Bezaire. Image Source: Christie Smith’s Facebook.

The lovebirds have not shared the details of their marriage; however, they have been together for almost twenty years. D.J. Smith’s wife previously worked at the CTV news but had to quit her job following his settlement in Toronto and to take care of their kids. The pair bought into a partnership at the All Level CrossFit gym in May 2020. Smith’s spouse is also a certified fitness trainer and nutritionist.

Lee Hodges is another sports personality who is married.

Father Of Three

The former NHL player is a father of three kids. D.J. Smith’s son, Colton Smith, was born from his previous relationship, on February 9, 2004, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. However, D.J.’s baby mama is unknown to date. Also, Colton followed in his father’s footsteps and played for London Knights in the 2021-22 season. He was traded to Windsor Spitfires in 2022.

Welcome to Spitfire Nation, Colton Smith! ✈️✈️#WindsorSpitfires pic.twitter.com/s3ZcaQRyza

— Windsor Spitfires (@SpitsHockey) June 30, 2022

Coach Smith shares two sons, Brock Smith and Mickey Smith, with his current partner. They were born in 2017 and 2020, respectively. The boys are young, and the Smiths have not disclosed much about them.

With an NHL career of 25 years and an exceptional ability to communicate with the players, coaching staff, and management group, the Senators’ head coach is undoubtedly an exemplary coach in the industry. We wish to see him continuing his success in the days ahead.

Facts And Trivia

D.J. Smith announced his retirement as a player on June 14, 2005.
He received the Matt Leyden Trophy for the 2013-14 season as the OHL’s Coach of the Year.