While quite rightfully described as a sport, hockey is at its core a form of entertainment. While by no means scripted, our game is undoubtedly a performance on many levels! Given the scale of such a performance when presented by a professional league, its production hinges on the contributions of a core team of individuals, many of whom, if their job has been done correctly, we will never see or hear from as we take in the experience they help to create.
Peter Smeaton was one such individual. A cog in the wheel that spun countless nights in NHL and minor league arenas, allowing us, the fans in the stands or viewing at home, to be increasingly immersed into the drama unfolding before us. In 2021, Mr. Smeaton was in his 50th year as an off-ice official, scorer and penalty time keeper with the NHL, working over 2,000 games in this capacity with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a further 1,000 plus games for the OHL and QMJHL, and a variety of others for events such as the World Juniors Championships and NHL Alumni games. Not a shabby career at all!
When the news hit in April that Mr. Smeaton had passed away it was apparent from the outpouring of memories from those who were active “behind the curtain” of the performance that this man was an invaluable contributor to the finished product we are privileged to experience. Unfortunate isn’t it that we weren’t better able to appreciate this in the moment? And yet, we can take the opportunity to share stories from those who were fortunate to make acquaintances with this man, and in doing so allow for the rest of us fans to appreciate Mr. Smeaton as the fantastic individual and contributor others knew him to be!
Enter reader Kelly W. who was kind enough to share his encounter with Mr. Smeaton, and a special piece of memorabilia that came from this, for us to catch one person’s glimpse of what this man was about…
Back in 2006 my wife had meetings in Toronto. I got to go and I wanted to see my first games. My buddy in Regina knew Peter through work, and asked him if he could show me around. It was a real surprise when my buddy told me. Anyways I got to go to two games. First night Peter took me and my wife up to the gondola before the game, and he gave me the media cheat sheets pregame stuff. He also told me there were HHOF tickets waiting for me at the door (we went the next day; it was amazing).
Well I also had tickets to the HHOF game on Saturday, and Peter gave us the game stuff again for this one. He also told us to meet him after the game. To our surprise he took us underneath the ACC and showed us around, to what he could. Got to see the Leafs dressing room door and a couple of interviews. He had one more surprise also (well actually two). First he invited us for a pop with some of the workers to listen to some of their crazy stories. Those stories are for another time, but it was a blast. Also since this was the HHOF game they need two sets of game sheets: one for the NHL and one for the HHOF. To my surprise he gave us the yellow sheets from the game. It was a great gift and evening for a man and his wife from Saskatchewan. It all happened because a great man named Peter Smeaton took time out of his day for two people he only knew through a co-worker.
(Three pictures to scroll through...)
Fantastic story, memories and showpiece there Kelly! Peter sounded like a salt of the earth individual, and is a great reminder of how many quality people outside of the ones we have eyes on constantly really prop up and contribute to our experience with this sport. Thanks to you all!
Have a great week everyone. Please look out for yourselves, and help out one another where possible! The one you bring some positivity or basic care/respect to may be fighting a rough, albeit hidden, battle, and these gestures may mean more than you may ever realize. Positive vibes to you and yours…
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Do you have a piece of treasured memorabilia that has a great story behind it? Let me know and you can be featured in an article. Doesn't matter how big or small the piece is, how valuable it may be, or whether it's a common item or more oddball. If you think it has a story, contact me via the information below and we'll chat. In the meantime, check out some previous "Display Case" articles via the links below to see what others have submitted in the past...
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Shawn Gates
[email protected]
Facebook: ShawnMcShawn
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Previous ”The Display Case” Posts
#1: The “Frankenstick!”
#2: Your desk has the right to remain collectable!
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#4: Pick a Pekka (Rinne) Autographed Mask
#5: Ted Lindsay Gets Kronwalled?
#6: The Only Thing We Have To Fehr Is Fehr Himself
#7: “Hungary” For Team Canada Swag
#8: The Soldiers Kid and “The Kid”
#9: Fan Appreciation & Player Humility Via The '72 Series
#10: Bobby Orr and....Birth Control?!?!?!
#11: Johnny Bower The “Portrait” Of Health At 88!!!
#12: Scotty Bowman – Stick Detective!!!
#13: Touch 'Em All Joe!!!
#14: Joey and Sergei's European (Lockout) Adventure!!!
#15: I’d Give The Jersey Off My Back For You…
#16: The Case Of The 1940’s Era Leafs
#17: Scrapping The History Of The Isles...
#18: Gretzky “Re-Signs” in Edmonton
#19: Gilmour Is Such A Caricature!!!
#20: Toys In The Attic
#21: The Right King Place At The Right King Time
#22: Momma Bear Takes On A “Killer”!!!
#23: Leafs Lunch Stool
#24: The 50 Goal Stub
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