Billy Smith

Canadian ice hockey goaltender who won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.

William John Smith was born in Perth, Ontario in 1950. New York Islanders selected him in the 1972 expansion draft. He spent 17 seasons as the Islanders' primary goaltender — winning four consecutive Stanley Cup championships (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983). He won the Vezina Trophy as best goaltender in 1982 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1983. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993. He was known as Battlin' Billy for his willingness to slash, hook and hack opponents who ventured near his crease — accumulating 489 career penalty minutes despite being a goaltender, an extraordinary total. He was the first goaltender officially credited with scoring a goal in NHL history, in 1979, when he was the last Islander to touch the puck before a Colorado player accidentally put it in his own net. His four championships alongside Trottier, Bossy and Potvin define the Islanders dynasty era.

Smith was known for his aggressive, intimidating style in net, frequently using his stick to slash at opposing players who ventured too close to his crease. He was a fiery competitor who would do whatever it took to protect his territory and disrupt opposing forwards. His playing style was controversial but effective, as he combined solid goaltending fundamentals with psychological warfare.

Smith helped establish the New York Islanders as a dynasty franchise and was the first goaltender in NHL history to be credited with scoring a goal. His aggressive style influenced how goaltenders could control the area around their crease and protect themselves from opposing forwards.

• Stanley Cup 4x (1980,1981,1982,1983)
• Conn Smythe Trophy (1983)
• Vezina Trophy (1982)
• Hall of Fame (1993)