After York left for greener pastures, Clarkson alumnus Bill O'Flaherty began his tenure in 1979 and Small saw an immediate change.
For his senior season, Small was named team co-captain with Bryan Cleaver and the Golden Knights went on a stellar run.
Clarkson finished the season atop the ECAC Hockey standings and placed three players on the All-American team, including Small.
Small was named as the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year and led the Golden Knights into the playoffs with a championship in their sights.
He played two seasons with the Montreal Canadiens' top farm team but never distinguished himself enough to receive a callup and retired as a player in 1983.