Normie Smith

Normie Smith was indeed a product of his environment; he led the Red Wings to two consecutive Stanley cup victories in 1936 and 1937 and won the Vezina in 1937 as the league’s top goaltender. His pinnacle strength was reached when he recorded a shoutout streak of 176 consecutive minutes a record that stood for 76 years

Normie Smith was born in Toronto in 1908 in the neighborhood of little Italy, it was there where Normie Smith spent most of his years before embarking on his notable hockey career. At that time Toronto earned their nickname Hogtown due to its significant role in the pork industry in the early 1900s. Italian immigrants were known for their precision in cutting and preparing pork, which contributed to Toronto’s reputation for high-quality meat products. At that time Italian gangs protected their neighborhood and territory from other rival gangs. Many Italians engaged in petty crime, extortion and other activities as a means of income.

When the Italians in Little Italy, heard that Normie Smith was playing for the Detroit Red Wings, they rallied behind him with pride and enthusiasm. As one of their own who had grown up in the same tough neighborhood, Smith's success resonated deeply within the community. His achievements on the ice became a source of inspiration and pride, uniting the neighborhood in support of his career. The local support and recognition from his roots likely provided Smith with an extra sense of motivation and belonging, contributing to his determination and success in the NHL.

Normie Smith built his athletic skills in the tough neighborhood of Little Italy in Toronto. Growing up in this vibrant community, he often found himself in scrapes and playing street hockey with other local kids. These experiences not only toughened him up but also honed his abilities as a goaltender, preparing him for the rigors of professional hockey. The competitive street hockey games and the rough-and-tumble environment of Little Italy played a significant role in shaping his determination on the ice.

Smith faced arm and wrist injuries that significantly impacted his play. To adapt, he experimented with a plastic board on his blocker hand, an innovative move considering that goalies at the time typically used just a glove. This experimentation with equipment modification highlighted Smith's ingenuity and willingness to adapt in order to continue playing at a high level despite physical challenges. His efforts not only allowed him to remain competitive but also contributed to the evolution of goaltending equipment in the sport.

Normie Smith was not only innovative in his playing style but also in his approach to goaltending equipment. Recognizing the importance of mobility and speed, he modified and worked on his gear to make it lighter. This attention to equipment allowed him to move more freely and react quickly, which was crucial to his success and longevity as a goaltender.

Smith's modifications to his equipment set a precedent for future goalies, who continued to refine and enhance their gear to improve performance. His forward-thinking approach to both playing style and equipment helped shape the evolution of the goaltending position in hockey.

Normie Smith's contributions to the game, particularly his innovative goaltending style and record-setting performances, have left an indelible mark on hockey history. His ability to achieve such remarkable success despite his size and the era's prevailing goaltending techniques sets him apart as a true pioneer in the sport.

Normie Smith was a big part of little Italy. The Italians admired him because of his strength, his endurance and someone who can take punishment. He was a Canadian that was admired by the Italians that also lifted their own self worth in the Canadian fabric of life.