Tommy Smith (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Smith began senior hockey as an amateur with the Ottawa Emmetts from 1903 to 1905. He joined the Ottawa Victorias in 1905–06 and also played for the Stanley Cup champion Ottawa Silver Seven that same year, alongside his older brothers Alf and Harry. He moved to Pittsburgh to turn professional with the Pittsburgh Professionals in 1906, playing three seasons before returning to Canada to join the Brantford Indians. He missed much of the 1909–10 season due to typhoid fever. In 1910–11, he played for the Galt Professionals, winning the OPHL championship, and then moved with most of the Galt team to the Moncton Victorias, winning the Maritime championship. Both Galt and Moncton played unsuccessful Stanley Cup challenges in 1911 and 1912, respectively. Smith joined the Quebec Bulldogs in 1912–13 and won the Stanley Cup. After the 1913–14 season, he was traded twice to the Toronto Shamrocks, causing a dispute with the Pacific Coast Hockey Association over a draft. He was traded back to Quebec in 1914–15, again avoiding the PCHA draft. Smith was known as a mercenary regarding club loyalty, stating in December 1914, 'I'll play here or in Mexico if the money is strong enough.' While skating for the Ottawa Victorias in 1906, Smith led the FAHL with 12 goals (including eight goals in a game against Brockville on February 23, 1906).

Reader's Guide

Smith's career is notable for his frequent team changes, playing for 16 teams across Canada and the United States. He was a leading goal-scorer in multiple leagues: the FAHL in 1906, the OPHL in 1908–09, the MPHA in 1910–11, and the NHA in 1913–14 and 1914–15. His two Stanley Cup victories came with the Ottawa Silver Seven in 1906 and the Quebec Bulldogs in 1913. The article notes a dispute over his trades involving the NHA and PCHA, highlighting the era's contractual complexities. Smith's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973 recognizes his achievements as a forward and his impact on early professional hockey. His willingness to play anywhere for sufficient pay reflects the mercenary nature of some players in that period.

Did You Know?

• Smith led the FAHL with 12 goals in 1906, including eight goals in a single game against Brockville on February 23, 1906.
• His two older brothers, Alf and Harry Smith, also played professional ice hockey.