Normie Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Normie Smith |
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| Born | March 18, 1908 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | February 2, 1988 (aged 79) Stuart, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | ||
| Weight | 165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Detroit Red Wings Montreal Maroons |
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| Playing career | 1931–1945 | ||
Norman Eugene Smith (born March 18, 1908 – died February 2, 1988) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was a goaltender, which means he was the player who tries to stop the puck from going into the net. Normie Smith played for the Montreal Maroons and the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Early Hockey Days
Normie Smith started his career with the Montreal Maroons. In his first season (1930–31), he played really well. However, during his 20th game, another player accidentally crashed into him. Normie was badly injured and couldn't play for the rest of that season.
He spent the next two years playing in smaller leagues to get better. During this time, he started wearing a special cap. This cap helped stop the bright overhead lights from bothering his eyes while he played.
Becoming an NHL Star
In 1934, Normie Smith joined the Detroit Red Wings. He played one of the most amazing games in NHL history with them! It was against his old team, the Montreal Maroons. This game was the longest ever played in the NHL, lasting over 176 minutes (almost three hours!). Normie didn't let the Maroons score any goals, which is called a "shutout."
During this incredibly long game, he made 92 saves, which is still an NHL record! The Red Wings won that game and went on to win the Stanley Cup championship in 1936.
The next year, in 1936–37, Normie helped Detroit win the Stanley Cup again! He also won the Vezina Trophy that season, which is given to the best goaltender in the NHL.
Later Career and Return
After his amazing seasons, Normie suffered an arm injury. His performance wasn't as strong in 1937–38.
In 1938–39, he had a disagreement with his coach, Jack Adams. He was then traded to another team, but he decided to retire instead of playing in a smaller league.
However, Normie Smith briefly returned to play for the Red Wings during World War II. Many players had gone to fight in the war, so there was a need for experienced players like him.
Awards and Achievements
- Vezina Trophy (1937): This award goes to the best goaltender in the NHL.
- NHL First All-Star Team goalie (1937): He was chosen as one of the best players in the league.
- Stanley Cup Champion (1936, 1937): He helped his team win the championship trophy twice.
- Holds NHL record for most saves in a single game (92 saves).
