Brian Smith: key obituary facts
Is Brian Smith dead? Yes. Brian Smith died on October 28, 2026, at age 88.
Cause of death: Brian Smith's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Brian Smith known for?
He was an ice hockey forward who played 61 games in the NHL (Detroit, 1957-1961).
More about Brian Smith
Born: 6 December 1937.
Place of birth: Greater Sudbury.
Gender: male.
Occupation: ice hockey player.
Nationality: Canada.
Also known as: Brian Stuart Smith.
Brian Smith, a Canadian ice hockey player, died October 28, 2026, aged 88.
Known as Brian Stuart Smith, he was born December 6, 1937, in Creighton Mine, Ontario, in the Greater Sudbury area. His father, Stuart Ernest Smith, was also a former NHL player.
Smith’s professional career ran from 1958 to 1969, with 61 games in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings between 1958 and 1960. The rest of his playing career was spent in the minor leagues. His clubs included the Buffalo Bisons, Los Angeles Blades and Phoenix Roadrunners. Smith played as a forward, pursuing a professional career across the NHL and minor-league ranks over 11 years. His Detroit appearances came early in that career; he continued playing in the minor leagues after his NHL games, remaining active through 1969. The available biographical record identifies him both by his full name, Brian Stuart Smith, and as the son of Stuart Ernest Smith, connecting his career to a family background in professional hockey. Smith’s recorded career encompassed 61 NHL games and a longer stretch in the minor leagues, where he played for several clubs, including teams in Buffalo, Los Angeles and Phoenix.