Doug Smail was a Canadian ice hockey player who played as a left winger. He was born on February 14, 1957, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Smail began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the New Westminster Bruins in 1974. He played for the Bruins for three seasons before being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft.
Smail made his NHL debut with the Jets in the 1980-81 season and quickly established himself as a reliable forward. He was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability. Smail played for the Jets for eight seasons and was a key player in the team's success during the 1980s. He was a consistent scorer and helped the Jets reach the playoffs in six of his eight seasons with the team.
In 1989, Smail was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the Quebec Nordiques for one season before retiring from professional hockey in 1993. Smail played a total of 691 NHL games, scoring 189 goals and 262 assists for a total of 451 points.
Smail was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a team player who always put the needs of his team ahead of his own. He was also known for his leadership skills and was often named an alternate captain or captain of his teams.
After retiring from professional hockey, Smail remained involved in the sport. He worked as a coach and scout for various teams, including the Manitoba Moose and the Winnipeg Jets. He also worked as a commentator for TSN and CBC, providing analysis and commentary on NHL games.
Smail was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his contributions to the sport in the province. He remains a beloved figure in Winnipeg, where he played the majority of his NHL career. Smail's legacy as a hardworking and dedicated player continues to inspire young hockey players in Canada and around the world.
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