TORONTO: City Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina) and City of Toronto staff on Monday officially renamed the skating rink at Christie Pits Park in honour of Sid Smith and Toronto’s hockey history.
The renaming ceremony, a family-friendly event, gave the public an opportunity to celebrate the Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink with Toronto Maple Leafs alumni and participate in free skating at Christie Pits Park.
In addition to skating, attendees were able to view a photo display of some of Smith’s memorable moments from his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It is my pleasure to name the rink in Christie Pits in honour of Sid Smith, the eighth captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sid Smith lived in the neighbourhood and would often return from practice with the Leafs to play shinny with his neighbours,” said Councillor Layton.
Christie Pits Park is an 8.9 hectare area located at 750 Bloor St. W. The park features the Alex Duff Memorial Pool, three baseball diamonds, a multi-sport field, basketball and volleyball courts, an artificial ice rink, a children’s playground and labyrinth, a splash pad, a wading pool and a community garden.
Sidney “Sid” James Smith was born in Toronto on July 11, 1925. As a youth he would practise on the ice rink in Christie Pits. He played in minor leagues in Toronto and later with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. Smith played his entire NHL career as a left-winger with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1946 to 1958. He was team captain from 1955 to 1956. Smith played in seven All-Star games and won three Stanley Cups, the John B. Sollenberger Trophy and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.
On right, a hockey fan is seen with his toddler at the rink.