CLARKSON ATHLETIC HALL of FAME
ART SMITH '56
Class of 2010 Inductee
In the mid-1950s, Clarkson established itself among the elite teams in the nation with its championship-caliber squads. One of the key components of the Golden Knights’ success during that era was the play of Art Smith..
One of the best players in Clarkson’s illustrious history, Smith played four years on the blueline for head coach Bill Harrison’s teams and was one of the top defensemen in the nation as a junior and senior when Clarkson boasted powerhouse squads. A 6-2, 185-pound rearguard, the Walpole, Massachusetts native was a tremendous skater whose ability to control the puck and initate scoring drives from the back zone was a tremendous asset in the Knights’ progress to the top of college hockey.
A two-time All-American, Smith skated in 56 games during four seasons from 1952-56, recording 34 points on 11 goals and 23 assists. As a junior, Smith was named an All-American in 1955, the first Golden Knight to receive the prestigious award since 1931. The stalwart defenseman also earned the lofty distinction again in 1956, becoming just one of 13 Clarkson players to twice be named an All-American. Smith was also honored with Clarkson’s Paul J. Pilon Award, which is presented when appropriate to a senior who has excelled both as a student and hockey player..
One of the most renowned seasons in college hockey history happened during the winter of 1955-56 when Clarkson, with Smith playing a leading role, skated to a 23-0 mark, the first perfect campaign in the NCAA since 1947. The Knights capped off the remarkable feat by defeating arch-rival St. Lawrence 7-4 in Potsdam. After their second victory of the season over their North Country neighbors completed the only perfect season in Clarkson history, coach Harrison remarked, "I mean we beat them all, Michigan State, Harvard, Boston College, all of them. I mean we were unbeaten.
Smith, an alternate captain, played the starring role in one of Clarkson’s closest victories that season, scoring the winning goal against an unbeaten Laval University squad. With the scored tied 2-2 early in the third period, Smith stopped a shot on his pads at the blueline, raced into the Laval end and lifted in a backhanded shot for the unassisted game-winner in the 3-2 triumph at Clarkson Arena.
Considered by many knowledgeable Knight fans to be the greatest Clarkson team ever, the 1955-56 squad was the first Clarkson team to be invited to the NCAA Championships. The Knights, however, refused to go. Clarkson had eight seniors, including Smith, who were four-year varsity players and under NCAA rules were ineligible. The team voted not to go without them and turned down the tournament bid.
Prior to attending Clarkson, Smith was captain of the 1952 Walpole H.S. hockey team and a First-Team Bay State League All-Star. Smith was inducted into the Walpole High School Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.
