legends home
| 1994 - 2000 |
Randy Smith was signed by then Pirates coach Cam Plante at the start of the 1994/95 season and came to the UK with an impressive pedigree that included appearances for the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars and the silver medal winning Canadian Olympic side where he played alongside hockey greats such as Lindross, Brind’Amour and Hextall. His debut season was a tough one for a Pirates side that was ultimately relegated from the Premier Division but, in Randy Smith, the fans had found a new cult hero. The flowing locks of the imposing 6’ 4” forward became a familiar and feared sight around the country as a devastating potency around the net saw the Saskatoon native rack up 104+108 for 212 points from a 56 game season that saw his team relegated but his own talents recognized by a vote from UK Hockey Writers as Premier League Player of the Season and an appearance on the league’s prestigious All-Star team. Peterborough fans were devastated, albeit not surprised, at losing Smith to the up and coming Cardiff Devils the following season where he continued to dominate the scoring charts and secure personal recognition awards. A serious back injury in 1996 threatened an end to Smith’s career but a lengthy recuperation period saw him back in action the following season with the top flight Newcastle side before returning to Peterborough to play under Troy Walkington at the start of the 1998/99 season. The great “Randini”, as locals had now christened him, wasted no time in resurrecting his popularity in Peterborough as he led his team to a cup winning season as well as, once again, securing the top individual playing awards across the league. Troy Walkington’s departure in the 1999/2000 season saw Randy step up to coach the Pirates only to find himself plunged immediately into a huge financial crisis that saw players jumping ship in numbers. Randy was a hugely valuable and highly sought after asset in UK hockey and could have walked into any rival team at any price he cared to name but his loyalty to the Peterborough fans and to Peterborough hockey saw him stay put and fight to keep the club alive. He worked tirelessly to find additional players and continued to lead the line both on and off the ice to see Pirates to safety and even bloody a few noses before seasons end. On a highly charged night, an emotional and exhausted Randy Smith announced his retirement from hockey at Pirates final home game of that season and the tears that so freely rolled down the big man’s face that night will live long in the memories of those that were there. A player who could have chosen any stage he wanted on which to finish his career, chose the one that mattered most to him …… his affection for the Peterborough fans matched only by their affection for him.
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#20 Randy Smith 1994 - 2000