Background
Smith, James M. was born on March 16, 1963 in Walnut Creek, California, United States.
Smith, James M. was born on March 16, 1963 in Walnut Creek, California, United States.
University of California at Berkeley (Bachelor of Arts, high distinction, 1985). Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley (Juris Doctor, 1988).
He played in the National Hockey League (National Hockey League) from 1984-1985 to 2000-2001. Smith was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1981 National Hockey League Entry Draft in the 6th round, 111th overall. He began his National Hockey League career in 1985, playing in 55 regular season games and six playoff games.
With 14:46 remaining in the third period, and the score tied 2-2, he picked up the puck behind his own Netto and tried to clear it out of the zone.
Instead, the puck ricocheted off goaltender Grant Fuhr and into the Edmonton Netto. Flames forward Perry Berezan was credited with scoring this series-clinching goal.
Fans were outraged at Smith"s error although his teammates stood by him in support. Smith played for the Oilers until the end of the 1990-1991 season, winning three Stanley Cups with the team
He then played for the Chicago Blackhawks until 1997.
He announced his retirement due to injury following the 1996-1997 season, but made a comeback and played three seasons with the Flames, retiring for good in December 2000. Smith was responsible for a season-ending injury to Pavel Bure"s knee on November 9, 1995. Smith was an assistant coach with the Flames in 1997-1998.
He worked as a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks prior to spending four seasons on the Oilers coaching staff from 2010 to 2014.
He then became a coach for the Hurricanes.
Member: Santa Clara County, San Francisco County and American (Member, Intellectual Property Law and Litigation Sections) Bar Associations. State Bar of California (Member, Intellectual Property Law Section).