Bears add Dopson to coaching staff

Smiths Falls, Ont. — The Smiths Falls Bears announced Wednesday morning that Rob Dopson will join the organization as an assistant coach.

Dopson, 50, was out of a hockey job for less than 24 hours following his release by the Kemptville 73’s.

“Rob Dopson will be returning to the Bears,” said Bears head coach Mark Grady in a statement. “To the (rink) where his picture as a pro adorns the walls of our arena lobby, and joining my staff.”

A one-time Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender (1993-94) and former Smiths Falls Bear (1986-87), Dopson’s 14-year professional career took him to exotic locales like Britain (Ayr, Sheffield) and Japan (Nippon).

Though he now lives in Merrickville, he maintains close family ties to the Smiths Falls region.

Dopson’s first game behind the Bears bench will be tonight (Wed.), when — in an ironic twist of fate — the Bears will visit the Kemptville 73’s at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

Puckdrop is slated for 7:30 p.m.