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Ice Hockey by Melissa Burgess, GoGriffs.com contributor

IN DEPTH: Smith & Moser Leave Lasting Legacy with Hockey Program

When the RPI Engineers visit Canisius on Saturday night, it won't be just another college hockey game. For coaches Dave Smith, Scott Moser and Trevor Large, it'll be more than that: a reunion; and for the two RPI coaches, a homecoming.
 
Smith returns to LECOM Harborcenter in the midst of his third season at RPI, with an Engineers team that is 4-5-1 on the season heading into the weekend. Their 2-3-1 conference record puts them sixth in the ECAC, with Brown, Colgate and Union nipping at their heels.
 
Prior to 2017, Smith spent twelve seasons as the head coach of the Griffs, where he made a significant impact on Canisius Athletics, both on and off the ice. Even now, years later, his contributions are still being felt.
 
During his tenure, Smith led the Griffs to three straight appearances in the Atlantic Hockey Championship Weekend, back-to-back appearances in the Atlantic Hockey title game, and the program's first championship victory in 2013 and its first league regular-season title in 2016-17. In addition to his 172 victories with the Griffs, more than 186 Griffs players earned Atlantic Hockey All-Academic accolades, five student athletes were named the Atlantic Hockey Top Scholar Athlete with the highest GPA in the association and more than 30 of his former players have signed professional contracts.
 
"Dave established the culture here at Canisius," Large said. "What's a Griff? What does it mean to be a Griff? I learned a lot about creating, sustaining and building a culture."
 
Smith acknowledges his work in building the Griffs' culture, but is quick to point out those around him who helped.
 
"It's something I was very proud of," he said. "But it takes an entire community to take hold, from [Director of Athletics] Bill Maher to [Senior Associate Athletic Director - External Affairs] John Maddock, the assistant coaches, the training staff. It begins with those people, creating a standard that works for us. We empower student athletes, but it'd be naive to think it happened by itself."
 
Large, Smith and Moser still remain close, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Moser & Large both joined the Griffs as assistant coaches in 2014 under Smith. The trio served together for three seasons, before Smith left for the head job at RPI. When Large was promoted to head coach at Canisius, Moser served as an assistant for two seasons before joining the Engineers - and Smith - this season.
 
"We had success [at Canisius], but more importantly, we had friendship, we had memories," Smith said of his time with the Griffs. "Now, it's special to watch Trevor as he builds his team and his culture."
 
As Large continues on in his third season as head coach at Canisius, he remains grateful to his former colleagues.
 
"Mentorships are important in our industry," Large said of his relationship with the RPI coaches. "Dave's willing to share; I think that's honestly rare. We spent years together, creating a relationship. I feel like I can call him [Smith] if there's anything hockey-wise I need help with, if there's anything else personally."
 
"Scott was able to transition and help me become a head coach," Large added. "Those things are not lost. Those are very valuable things; I think highly of both of them. I know our relationship is worth the time & effort. It's mentorship in hockey, and mentorship in life. The three of us are on the same page, and that's special."
 
It's safe to say that all three men know that this Saturday's game will be a special one - and they're not the only ones.
 
"It means a lot," Canisius captain Matt Hoover said, one of five seniors who played as freshmen under Smith. This is the last senior class that will have any players who skated during Smith's tenure.
 
"I have to attribute a lot to them," Hoover added. "Dave was only there for my first year, but he taught me a lot. Scott was very personal with the players, growing our skills on and off the ice, no matter what it was. They taught you to be great hockey players, but they also taught you how to be great people."
 
On the flip side, Smith is also excited to see some of his former players back in action later this week.
 
"I've enjoyed watching their growth and development from a distance," he said. "That's the most rewarding part of coaching. These young men are ready to tackle the world. I'm cheering for them - except for when we play them."
 
When the puck drops Saturday night, the focus will be on the game itself. But some things are bigger than the sport of hockey, and the friendship and mentorship will continue long after the final buzzer sounds at LECOM Harborcenter.
 
"The preparation and good feelings happen before the puck drop," Large said. "Then, those feelings go away and your compete takes over. We want to be prepared for a good RPI team. We played them on the road; now, we get a chance to play them at home - and I like our chances. Afterwards, it'll be nice to shake hands and give them a hug and wish them luck.
 
"Those are moments that I know Scott, Dave and I won't forget."
 
The Griffs host the RPI Engineers for a 7:35 p.m. puck drop on Saturday at LECOM Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo. Tickets are available here by calling 716-888-TIXX or by visiting Ticketmaster.com. Fans can also watch the game live on FLOHockey.tv.
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Players Mentioned

Matt Hoover

#72 Matt Hoover

F
5' 10"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Matt Hoover

#72 Matt Hoover

5' 10"
Senior
F