Hooley Smith
Two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist.
Reginald Joseph 'Hooley' Smith was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Maroons, Boston Bruins, and New York Americans between 1924 and 1941. He won the Stanley Cup twice, with Ottawa and Montreal, and prior to turning professional won a gold medal with the Canada national team at the 1924 Winter Olympics.
Quick Facts
- Halloffame
- 1972
- Birth Date
- 1903-01-07
- Birth Place
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Death Date
- 1963-08-24
- Death Place
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Height Ft
- 5
- Height In
- 10
- Weight Lb
- 155
- Position
- Centre/Right Wing
- Shoots
- Right
- Played For
- Toronto Granites / Ottawa Senators / Montreal Maroons / Boston Bruins / New York Americans
- Ntl Team
- Canada
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Smith played amateur hockey for the Toronto Granites, winning the Allan Cup and a gold medal for Canada at the 1924 Winter Olympics. He scored 17 goals and 33 points in five Olympic games. He began his professional career with the Ottawa Senators the following winter. In his first season, he suffered a head injury and thereafter wore a jockey-type helmet to protect his head. In 1926–27, Ottawa won the Stanley Cup against Boston, but after attacking Harry Oliver in the final game, Smith was suspended for a month of the following year. Ottawa sold him to the Montreal Maroons.
Reader's Guide
As a member of the Montreal Maroons, Smith formed part of the famed 'S line' with Nels Stewart and Albert 'Babe' Siebert, one of the best early forward lines in NHL history. He was named captain of the Maroons and led the team to its final Stanley Cup in 1935. Financial difficulties led to his sale to Boston for one season, then to the New York Americans. Starting in 1938–39, he played defence for the Americans until his retirement in 1941. From 1940, he held the NHL record for career games played until surpassed by Dit Clapper in 1944. Smith died of a heart attack on August 24, 1963, in Montreal, and was the last surviving member of the 'S' line. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
Did You Know?
- Smith scored 17 goals and 33 points in five games at the 1924 Winter Olympics.
- He wore a jockey-type helmet after a head injury in his first NHL season.
- He was captain of the Montreal Maroons when they won the Stanley Cup in 1935.
More in Hockey Hall of Fame Players, Part 3 1-24
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