Steve Smith is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over 15 years. He was born on April 30, 1963, in Glasgow, Scotland, but grew up in Canada. Smith began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1979. He played with the team for three seasons before being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft.
Smith made his NHL debut with the Oilers in the 1983-84 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He played a key role in the team's success during the 1980s, helping them win four Stanley Cup championships in five years from 1984 to 1988. Smith was known for his physical play and defensive skills, but he also contributed offensively, scoring 72 goals and 303 points in 804 career NHL games.
One of the most memorable moments of Smith's career came in the 1986 playoffs when he accidentally scored an own goal in Game 7 of the Smythe Division Finals against the Calgary Flames. The goal proved to be the game-winner for the Flames, and the Oilers were eliminated from the playoffs. Despite the mistake, Smith remained a valuable member of the Oilers and continued to play for the team until 1991.
After leaving the Oilers, Smith played for several other NHL teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and Carolina Hurricanes. He also played briefly in Europe before retiring from professional hockey in 2001. Smith was known for his leadership and was often named captain or assistant captain of the teams he played for.
After retiring from hockey, Smith remained involved in the sport as a coach and executive. He served as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers from 2010 to 2014 and was later named the head coach of the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. In 2018, Smith was hired as the director of player development for the Buffalo Sabres.
Overall, Steve Smith had a successful career as a professional hockey player, winning four Stanley Cup championships and earning a reputation as a reliable defenseman. Despite the own goal that marred his career, Smith remained a respected member of the hockey community and continued to contribute to the sport after his playing days were over.
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