HALL OF FAMER CLINT SMITH DIES (MAY 19/09)

Hockey Hall of Famer Clint Smith died Tuesday at the age of 95.


Smith, a center, played 11 years in the NHL with the New York Rangers (1936-43) and Chicago Blackhawks (1943-47), winning the Stanley Cup with New York in 1940.

The Rangers announced Thursday they were informed of Smith's passing by his family. He was the oldest living Ranger alumnus and had been residing in Vancouver.

A native of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Smith won the Lady Byng trophy twice (1939 and 1944),an award given for skill and gentlemanly play. He had only 24 penalty minutes in 483 regular-season games. Smith had a four-season stretch in which he wasn't called for a penalty. Smith set a then-NHL record of 49 assists in a single season (1944). He also became the first person to score on an empty net and still shares the record for most goals in a period with four, set in 1945 against Montreal.

After his playing career, Smith served as a head coach of the Tulsa Oilers (USHL), St. Paul Saints (USHL) and Cincinnati Mohawks (AHL).

Smith was founding member of the British Columbia Hockey Benevolent Association, also known as the Canucks Alumni. He held various positions within the organization, including president.

Smith was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.

Funeral plans were not immediately announced.