Des Smith began his hockey career in his hometown playing for the Ottawa Montagnards from 1932–34.
In 1935–36 he moved to England to play for the Wembley Lions where he won the English National League championship.
He played the 1938–39 season in the International American Hockey League with the New Haven Eagles.
He found his greatest success in Boston playing with Hall of Famers like Bobby Bauer, Milt Schmidt, and Roy Conacher.
He helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 1941 defeating the Detroit Red Wings in four straight games.