Rick Smith is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. He was born on January 21, 1948, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Smith began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Hamilton Red Wings in 1964. He played for the team for two seasons before being drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1966 NHL Amateur Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Bruins in the 1967-68 season and played for the team for eight seasons.
During his time with the Bruins, Smith was known for his physical play and his ability to block shots. He was a key member of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1970 and reached the finals again in 1972. He was also named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1972.
In 1976, Smith was traded to the Colorado Rockies, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Washington Capitals. He played for the Capitals for three seasons before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1981. He played for the Kings for one season before retiring from professional hockey.
After retiring from hockey, Smith worked as a scout for the Kings and later for the Buffalo Sabres. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Throughout his career, Smith played in 1,036 NHL games, scoring 72 goals and 303 assists for a total of 375 points. He was known for his toughness and his ability to play a physical game, but he was also a skilled defenseman who could contribute offensively.
Smith was inducted into the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Boston Bruins Hall of Fame in 2015. He is remembered as a hard-working and dedicated player who gave his all on the ice and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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