Billy Dee Smith to step away from Thunderbirds' bench for personal reasons

Jul 25, 2023

HALIFAX, NS (July 25, 2023) – The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced that Assistant Coach Billy Dee Smith has made the decision to step away from the bench in order to turn his focus towards time with his family and life outside of lacrosse as a firefighter.

"I'd like to start off by thanking Curt (Styres), Mike (Accursi) and the entire Thunderbirds organization for allowing me to follow a new chapter of my life off the floor as a coach. It's never an easy decision to step away but I find comfort in knowing this team is as strong as ever and will continue to make the City of Halifax fall more in love with them each season," Smith said.

Smith, a St. Catharines, Ontario product, spent 16 seasons in the National Lacrosse League and solidified himself as one of the league’s fiercest and most notable defenders in that time. After a 14-year career with the Buffalo Bandits, Smith concluded his career in Rochester with the franchise before relocating to Halifax. 

In 2019-2020, Smith joined the Thunderbirds in a different capacity, transitioning to the front office as the team’s defensive coach, where he would remain for three seasons. In his role over that span, the Thunderbirds put together a 19-11 record, making the playoffs twice, only missing their inaugural season due to a league-wide COVID shutdown.

“I’d like to thank Billy for his time, dedication, and passion for lacrosse and our players,” Thunderbirds Head Coach Mike Accursi said. “His years of commitment and knowledge have helped to make us one of the best defences in the league. I wish him success in his pursuit of a new career choice.” 

The Thunderbirds’ organization would like to thank Billy for all of his contributions to the team, both on and off the floor, over the past five years, and wish him all the best in the future. 

Smith concluded, "I'm grateful for my time in Halifax and for the memories and bond I've been able to create with each and every single guy. It's an honour to say I'll always be a Thunderbird."