April 13

Brad Smith

Known to all as "Motor City Smitty," Brad Smith wasn't the best skater on the team, or the best scorer, but he was always a fan favourite. Why? Because he was the everyman. Through hard work and determination, Smith played in nine NHL seasons.
Smith played his junior hockey with the OHA's Windsor Spitfires and was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1978 Amateur Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1978-79 season playing in two games while spending the majority of the year with the CHL's Dallas Blackhawks. He was then traded to the Atlanta Flames in the 1979-80 season and followed them to Calgary when the franchise relocated for the next season. He was dealt once again in 1981 this time to the Red Wings.
The dawn of Motor City Smitty came alive as Smith played with the Wings for four seasons, though he spent most of it with their AHL affiliate in Adrirondack. He signed with the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 1985 and split his first season there between Toronto and St. Catharines. The 1986-87 season was his last in the NHL and it was spent in its entirety with the Leafs.
Smith left the game as a player in 1987 but stepped behind the bench to coach his old junior team the Windsor Spitfires, teaching his players the way he played hockey--honest and hard working.

GP 222

G 28

A 34

TP 62

PIM

591

Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 4th round (57th overall) of the 1978 draft.

Received blue ink signature IP.