1
His number 12 was the first jersey number retired in Vancouver Canucks franchise history.
15 Interesting Facts About Stanley Smyl
Stan Smyl was a legendary winger and long-time captain for the Vancouver Canucks, celebrated for his relentless work ethic and franchise-record statistical milestones.
Position
Right wing
Jersey
#12
Status
Retired
Teams
1
Facts
15
2
He served as captain of the Vancouver Canucks for eight seasons, a record later tied by Henrik Sedin.
3
He earned the nickname 'Steamer' from fans for his relentless and hard-nosed style of play.
4
He won back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 1977 and 1978 while playing for the New Westminster Bruins.
5
He scored two goals in game five of the 1982 Campbell Bowl final against Chicago to send Vancouver to its first Stanley Cup Final.
6
He recorded a franchise-record 31 points in 16 games during the month of March 1983.
7
He was awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the Memorial Cup MVP in 1978.
8
He scored the game-winning goal for Canada against the Soviet Union in a 3–1 victory at the 1985 World Championships.
9
He retired as the Vancouver Canucks' all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points.
10
He became team captain early in the 1981–82 season after the previous captain broke his ankle in practice.
11
He scored his first and only NHL career penalty shot against goalie Mike Vernon in January 1987.
12
He spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach for Vancouver before head coaching minor league affiliates in Syracuse, Kansas City, and Manitoba.
13
He led his Junior A team, the Bellingham Blazers, to a Fred Page Cup title in 1975 with 33 playoff points in 25 games.
14
He briefly served as interim general manager of the Vancouver Canucks in December 2021.
15
He registered his first NHL career hat trick against goaltender Pat Riggin on March 7, 1980.
About Stanley Smyl
Stanley Smyl was a hard-nosed right winger who played his entire 13-season NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks. Nicknamed 'Steamer' for his aggressive two-way play, he served as team captain for eight seasons and led Vancouver to the 1982 Stanley Cup Final. Upon retirement, his number 12 became the first jersey retired in Canucks franchise history.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Memorial Cup Champion
1977
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Memorial Cup Champion
1978
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Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
1978
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Cyclone Taylor Award
1980
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Cyrus H. McLean Trophy
1980
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Stanley Smyl.
Player Info
Country: Canada
Position: Right wing
Jersey #: 12
Status: Retired
Age: 68 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 5' 8" (173 cm)
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Born: Glendon, Alberta
Career Stats
Seasons: 13
Goals: 262
Assists: 411
Points: 673
Teams: 1
Drafted: 1978
Round: 3rd
Teams & Career
Vancouver Canucks
Stanley Smyl played his entire 13 seasons career with the Vancouver Canucks. He was originally drafted 3rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 1978.