Billy Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Billy Smith
Hockey Hall of Fame, 1993
Smith at the 2008 Legends Classic game
Born	(1950-12-12) December 12, 1950 (age 74) Perth, Ontario, Canada
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	AHL  Springfield Kings NHL  Los Angeles Kings  New York Islanders
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	59th overall, 1970 Los Angeles Kings
Playing career	1970–1989

William John "Battlin' Billy" Smith (born December 12, 1950, in Perth, Ontario) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He is famous for winning four Stanley Cups and for being the first goalie to score a goal in a professional game.

Who is Billy Smith?

Billy Smith is a legendary Canadian ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which means he was the player who guarded the net to stop the other team from scoring. He was known for his tough and competitive style of play, which earned him the nickname "Battlin' Billy."

Early Life and Career

Billy Smith was born in Perth, Ontario, Canada, on December 12, 1950. He started his professional hockey career in 1970. He played for the Springfield Kings in the AHL before joining the NHL.

Joining the NHL

Smith was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1970. He later joined the New York Islanders, where he became a key player for the team. His career in the NHL lasted from 1970 until 1989.

Stanley Cup Champion

Billy Smith is best known for his incredible success with the New York Islanders. He helped lead the team to win four straight Stanley Cup championships. The Stanley Cup is the most important trophy in professional ice hockey.

• The Islanders won the Stanley Cup in:
  • 1980
  • 1981
  • 1982
  • 1983

A Goalie Scores a Goal

One of the most unique moments in Billy Smith's career happened on November 28, 1979. He became the first goalie in NHL history to be officially credited with scoring a goal. This happened during a game against the Colorado Rockies.

How a Goalie Scores

A goalie usually scores when the other team's net is empty. This can happen if the opposing team pulls their goalie off the ice to add an extra attacker. If the puck goes into the empty net after a shot or deflection from the goalie's team, the goalie who last touched the puck can get credit for the goal.

Legacy and Hall of Fame

Billy Smith retired from playing hockey in 1989. His amazing career and achievements were recognized when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993. This honor means he is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

• Billy Smith's biography at Legends of Hockey
• Billy Smith's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database