James Stephen Smith

James Stephen Smith
Position	Defence
Shot	Left
Height Weight	6 ft 3 in (0 m) 210 lb (95 kg)
Teams	Edmonton Oilers Chicago Blackhawks Calgary Flames
Nationality	Canadian & British
Born	April 30 1963 (1963-04-30), Glasgow, Scotland
NHL Draft	111th overall, 1981 Edmonton Oilers
Pro Career	1984 – 2000

James Stephen Smith, better known as Steve Smith (born April 30, 1963) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1984–85 to 2000–01. Although he was regarded as a top defenceman during his 15-year NHL career, he is often remembered for scoring a critical own goal in the playoffs of his rookie year.

Playing career

Smith was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft in the 6th round, 111th overall. He began his NHL career in 1985 and had a successful season, playing in 55 regular season games and six playoff games. On April 30, 1986 (his 23rd birthday), Smith and the Oilers were playing in Game 7 of the Smythe Division Final against arch-rival Calgary Flames. In the third period, with the score tied at two, he made a pass from behind his own net that inadvertently ricocheted off goaltender Grant Fuhr and into the Edmonton net. The Oilers never recovered and ultimately lost the series, while Calgary went on to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Smith played in Edmonton until the end of the 1990-91 season. After leaving Edmonton, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks until 1997. After announcing his retirement due to injury following the 1996–97 NHL season, he made a comeback and played three seasons with the Calgary Flames, retiring for good in December 2000.

Awards and achievements

• 1986–87 - NHL - Stanley Cup (Edmonton)
• 1987–88 - NHL - Stanley Cup (Edmonton)
• 1989–90 - NHL - Stanley Cup (Edmonton)

Career statistics

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1980–81	London Knights	OHL		62	4	12	16	141		—	—	—	—	—
1981–82	London Knights	OHL		58	10	36	46	207		4	1	2	3	13
1982–83	London Knights	OHL		50	6	35	41	133		3	1	0	1	10
1982–83	Moncton Alpines	AHL		2	0	0	0	0		—	—	—	—	—
1983–84	Brantford Alexanders	OHL		7	1	1	2	0		—	—	—	—	—
1983–84	Moncton Alpines	AHL		64	1	8	9	176		—	—	—	—	—
1984–85	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		2	0	0	0	2		—	—	—	—	—
1984–85	Nova Scotia Oilers	AHL		68	2	28	30	161		5	0	3	3	40
1985–86	Nova Scotia Oilers	AHL		4	0	2	2	11		—	—	—	—	—
1985–86	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		55	4	20	24	166		6	0	1	1	14
1986–87	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		62	7	15	22	165		15	1	3	4	45
1987–88	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		79	12	43	55	286		19	1	11	12	55
1988–89	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		35	3	19	22	97		7	2	2	4	20
1989–90	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		75	7	34	41	171		22	5	10	15	37
1990–91	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		77	13	41	54	193		18	1	2	3	45
1991–92	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		76	9	21	30	304		18	1	11	12	16
1992–93	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		78	10	47	57	214		4	0	0	0	10
1993–94	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		57	5	22	27	174		—	—	—	—	—
1994–95	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		48	1	12	13	128		16	0	1	1	26
1995–96	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		37	0	9	9	71		6	0	0	0	16
1996–97	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		21	0	0	0	29		3	0	0	0	4
1998–99	Calgary Flames	NHL		69	1	14	15	80		—	—	—	—	—
1999–00	Calgary Flames	NHL		20	0	4	4	42		—	—	—	—	—
2000–01	Calgary Flames	NHL		13	0	2	2	17		—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals				804	72	303	375	2139		134	11	41	52	288

International play

Played for Canada in:

• 1991 Canada Cup

International statistics

Year	Team	Event		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1991	Canada	CC		8	0	1	1	30
Senior int'l totals				8	0	1	1	30

External links

• James Stephen Smith's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• Video of the own-goal

Preceded by Todd Simpson

Calgary Flames captain 1999–2000

Succeeded by Dave Lowry