Gary Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gary Smith |
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Smith with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors, circa 1962
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| Born | February 14, 1944 Ottawa, Ontario, CAN |
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| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | ||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Rochester Americans (AHL) Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) Victoria Maple Leafs (WHL) Oakland Seals (NHL) Chicago Black Hawks (NHL) Vancouver Canucks (NHL) Minnesota North Stars (NHL) Fort Worth Texans (CHL) Hershey Bears (AHL) Washington Capitals (NHL) Indianapolis Racers (WHA) Tulsa Oilers (CHL) Winnipeg Jets (WHA) |
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| Playing career | 1965–1980 | ||
Gary "Suitcase" Smith (born February 4, 1944) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on February 4, 1944. Gary comes from a hockey family; his father, Des Smith, and brother, Brian Smith, also played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Gary played for many teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets. He was even a co-winner of the Vezina Trophy in the 1971–72 season, which is given to the best goalie in the NHL.
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Playing Career Highlights
Gary Smith started his hockey journey by winning a Memorial Cup in 1964 with the junior Toronto Marlboros. He joined the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1965. He was one of five goalies who played for the Maple Leafs during their last Stanley Cup winning season in 1966–67.
Why "Suitcase" Smith?
Gary earned the nickname "Suitcase" Smith because he played for so many different teams during his career. He moved around a lot, just like a suitcase!
Success with the Black Hawks
After playing with the California Golden Seals from 1967 to 1971, Gary found great success. In the 1971–72 season, he shared the Vezina Trophy with Tony Esposito while playing for the Chicago Black Hawks. This award goes to the best goaltender in the NHL. The very next year, Smith and Esposito helped the Black Hawks reach the Stanley Cup final.
Time with the Canucks and WHA
In the 1974–75 season, Gary had another strong year with the Vancouver Canucks. He played in 72 games and recorded six shutouts, meaning he didn't let any goals in during those games.
Later in his career, Gary played in the World Hockey Association (WHA). He was even a teammate of the legendary Wayne Gretzky when he played for the Indianapolis Racers. Gary was also part of the Winnipeg Jets team that won the Avco World Trophy championship in 1979.
Gary Smith's last coach in Winnipeg was Tom McVie. Interestingly, McVie had coached Smith the season before when they were both with the Washington Capitals.
A Memorable Moment
Gary Smith was the goalie for the California Golden Seals when Wayne Gretzky attended his very first game at Maple Leaf Gardens. Later, Gary Smith gave up the last goal ever scored in the WHA to Dave Semenko.
