Crowe Smith Honored At OFA-Massena Hockey

Massena coaches Ken Hurlbut (left) and Mike Trimboli offer a person tribute to Crow Smith with his daughter Betsy Smith.

BY DAVE SHEA

The only thing that the late George "Crowe" Smith didn't do in the sport of hockey was play a role in the iconic movie "Slapshot".

Smith was at the forefront of hockey equipment development and sales for many decades and also coached and served as a scout, an advisor and evaluator of talent for college and professional teams up to the NHL level. Smith also mentored players of all ages and coaches and operated Crowe's Sport Shop in Massena for 30 years and was a true friend and supporter of youth. In recent years he operated Crowe's Sport and Bike Shop and the N.A.C. Logistics warehouse and shipping business with his daughter Betsy Smith in Ogdensburg.

Crowe Smith died after being stricken earlier this week and was honored in a pre-game presentation by Massena Coach Mike Trimboli before the Raiders' game on Saturday with Ogdensburg Free Academy at the Massena Arena. Smith coached Trimboli at the Squirt level in the Massena Minor Hockey Association

"It was a privilege for me to be able to do that. He was such an impactful man in both communities - his legacy will span generations. Whether it was the Northland PMP, Sherwood 5030 PMP or Titan stick - Daoust skate, Tuuk blade or Schwinn bicycle it all had Crow’s touch," said Trimboli.

"He was a big part of my youth hockey experience which I will never forget. Timing being what it is, the moment was even greater because we got to share it with the Ogdensburg community."

Massena nipped OFA 2-1 in an outstanding game where the effort of both teams would have made Crowe Smith proud. 

The late Crowe Smith was honored before the Massena-OFA Hockey Game at the Massena Arena. Joining his daughter Betsy, his sons George and Eric, his brother Wally and grandson Donovan were OFA players Drew Costello, Holden Woods and Keighan Sias who work at the NAC Logistics facility and OFA Coach Jon Frederick and his son Tegan Frederick who were close friends of Crow. (Photo By Sarah Jacobs)

The OFA Hockey team will wear the Crow brand wings on their helmets. (Betsy Smith Photo)