Geoff Smith is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He was born on January 30, 1969, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Smith began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Saskatoon Blades in 1985. He played for the Blades for four seasons, from 1985 to 1989, and was known for his physical play and hard-hitting style.
In 1989, Smith was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Oilers' minor league affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers, for two seasons before making his NHL debut in the 1991-92 season. Smith played in 12 games for the Oilers that season, recording one assist and 14 penalty minutes.
After his stint with the Oilers, Smith played for several other NHL teams, including the San Jose Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Nashville Predators. He played a total of 377 NHL games, scoring 14 goals and 56 assists for a total of 70 points. Smith was known for his defensive play and his ability to block shots and clear the puck out of his own zone.
Smith's best season in the NHL was the 1993-94 season, when he played for the Sharks. He played in 79 games that season, scoring three goals and 16 assists for a total of 19 points. He also had a plus-minus rating of +9, which was the best of his career.
After his NHL career ended, Smith played for several years in Europe, including stints in Germany, Austria, and Italy. He retired from professional hockey in 2003 and returned to his hometown of Edmonton, where he now works as a real estate agent.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his physical play and his willingness to stand up for his teammates. He was also a strong defensive player who could shut down opposing forwards and clear the puck out of his own zone. While he was never a prolific scorer, Smith was a valuable player who could contribute in a variety of ways and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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