1973-74 O-Pee-Chee 142 Billy Smith Hockey Card (Front)
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee 142 Billy Smith Hockey Card (Back)
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
Card Notes
Billy is a real battler for a goalie. He won’t hesitate to act as a policeman in his crease, and he accumulated 42 minutes in the penalty box last season. He broke into the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, playing five games in 1971-72.
Billy led the Springfield Kings to the AHL championship in 1971.
Details
Billy Smith did play a major role in the success of the 1970-71 Springfield Kings in the American Hockey League. He played 49 games during the regular season, sporting a 3.51 goals against average with two shutouts. The team actually finished six games below .500 but caught fire in the post season.
Smith played all 12 games for Springfield in the playoffs. The team lost just a single game while taking out the Quebec Aces, Montreal Voyageurs, Cleveland Barons and Providence Reds. They swept the Reds in the final to capture the Calder Cup.
Even on his rookie card, it’s noted Smith’s rough and tumble style of goaltending. He topped out with 54 penalty minutes in 40 games during the 1978-79 NHL season with the New York Islanders. He had a career total of 489 PIM in 680 games.