Ed Small was a standout defenseman for Clarkson University’s hockey team from 1977 to 1981. His college career culminated in a stellar senior season in 1980–1981, during which he was named a co-captain and led the team to the top of the ECAC Hockey standings. That year, he was recognized as the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year, an AHCA East All-American, and was among the top 10 finalists for the inaugural Hobey Baker Award, which honors the most outstanding player in NCAA Division 1 ice hockey. Small finished his college career with 103 points (27 goals and 76 assists) in 128 games.

After his successful college career, Small played two seasons professionally with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the American Hockey League (AHL), the top farm team for the Montreal Canadiens at the time. In his two seasons with the Voyageurs, from 1981 to 1983, he played a total of 147 games, recording 10 goals and 50 assists for 60 points. He retired from professional hockey in 1983, having never been called up to the NHL.