1969-70 O-Pee-Chee 78 Gary Smith Hockey Card (Front)
Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)
Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.
Buy on Amazon1969-70 O-Pee-Chee 78 Gary Smith Hockey Card (Back)
1969-70 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
Looking to buy this hockey card? Check out what’s available at eBay: Gary Smith 1969-70
(As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase through the above link)
Card Notes
Hockey runs in Gary Smith’s family. His father played in the NHL as does his brother. Gary is the NHL’s tallest netminder. He covers lots of ground despite his size. Originally a product of Toronto farm system. Gary got nicknamed “Suitcase” due to lots of traveling in 1965.
En Français
Le hockey a toujours prédominé dans la famille de Gary Smith. Son père était dans la LNH.; son frère l’est aussi. Il est le plus grand gardien de buts de la LNH. Il remplit bien les filets malgré sa taille mince. Un produit du camp d’entrainement de Toronto. On surnomme Gary “L’Homme A La Valise” à cause de hombreux déplacements en 1965.
Details
Gary Smith did get his start with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After three years mostly in the minors, he was able to play in three games with the club in 1965-66. He would play just two more in 1966-67 with Toronto before moving on. In his two complete games played in 1965-66 with the Leafs, Smith allowed a total of seven goals and both games resulted in a loss. The third appearance was in relief of Al Smith in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Gary played just 2:15 and stopped all three shots put his way.
Smith was the eleventh overall pick at the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft and second goaltender selected by the Oakland Seals behind Charlie Hodge. In the 1967-68 season, Gary backed up Hodge, appearing in 21 games. By the following year, he was the team’s number one and playing the bulk of games.
In his fifth game with the Seals, Smith recorded his first NHL career shutout. In a December 27, 1967 game against the Penguins at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Gary turned away all 34 shots, including eight from Noel Price. Pittsburgh goalie Les Binkley stopped all 24 shots put his way in the 0-0 tie.
Appearing in 65 games in 1969-70, Smith led the NHL in losses, goals against and saves. He faced 40 or more shots in 18 games, topping out with 54 in a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. On January 25, 1970, Gary stopped 42 of 43 to help the Seals steal a 4-1 road win over the Minnesota North Stars. The only goal he allowed was just 1:22 into the game, scored by Leo Boivin. Mike Laughton helped the cause for the Seals with a hat trick.
Between 1965-66 and 1979-80, Gary Smith played 532 regular season and 20 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Oakland Seals, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota North Stars, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets. He also played 22 regular season and ten playoff games in the WHA during the 1978-79 season with the Indianapolis Racers and Winnipeg Jets.