The 2018 Fictitious Veteran Inductees

Published in 1958 Hockey Inductees
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James E. Norris

A hockey enthusiast from a very wealthy family, James E. Norris attempted to put a second team in Chicago but after that failed he bought the Detroit Falcons and rechristened them the Red Wings and turned that team into a National Hockey League power. This was at an essential time as the strength of that club countered the folding of franchises in Ottawa and Montreal (Maroons), and enabled the NHL to become a viable entity in the sporting world. James E. Norris was the type of owner that you wanted to be associated with your favorite team in the sport you love.

James E Norris

Published in 1958 Hockey Inductees
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Hughie Lehman

A longtime goaltender in Vancouver’s early history of hockey, Hughie “Old Eagle Eyes” Lehman appeared in eight Stanley Cup championships, although he only won once. Regardless of his poor finals record, Hughie Lehman was a still a very good backstopper who is credited for being the first to rush outside of his net and move the puck forward in what was then an unconventional way. Lehman did make it to the NHL in his early forties and had a productive season for Chicago.

Hughie Lehman

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Herb Gardiner

Herb Gardiner did not enter the National Hockey League until he was 35 years old. It was not because he wasn’t good enough, as he certainly was, but in the early 20’s, Hockey had multiple talented leagues and he chose to ply his trade for the Western Canadian Hockey League and was the defensive star for the Calgary Tigers and won the league title there in 1924. When the league collapsed, Gardiner joined the Montreal Canadians and despite his advanced age, was alleged to have played every minute for the Habs in that 44 game season and won the Hart Trophy. Although his play declined after, Gardiner remained in the NHL for a few more years and rightfully took his place in the Hall of Fame for his stellar defensive work in hockey.

Herb Gardiner

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George McNamara

A large and rugged defenseman, George McNamara bounced around many teams pounding down offensive threats in his end. McNamara helped the Toronto Blueshirts win the Stanley Cup in 1914 and had it not been for his participation in World War I, may have won more. With that said, and with all due respect to McNamara, his induction would not have been missed had it not occurred.

George McNamara

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George Hay

A perennial All Star in the Western Canadian Hockey League, the diminutive George Hay was adept at putting the puck into the net. Although he was still a decent scorer when he got into the National Hockey League, he only had a pair of seasons where he was in the top ten in scoring. Still his overall body of work made him a worthy entry for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

George Hay

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George Dudley

Enshrined in the Builders Category, George Dudley was inducted for his behind the scenes work on behalf of Amateur Hockey in Canada. His initial contributions were for the Ontario Hockey Association serving in various capacities until he became its President in 1934. He would hold that post for two years and then become the organizations Secretary until his death in 1960. Dudley would also become the President of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association from 1940 to 1942, and later become the Secretary for the IIHF. As the North American representative for the IIHF, he would help facilitate the first Soviet National Team tour across North America.

George Dudley

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Frank Fredrickson

In can be easily stated that Frank Fredrickson’s Hall of Fame resume; is equal parts amateur and professional. As an amateur player, Fredrickson led his Winnipeg Falcons to the Allan Cup and subsequently the Gold Medal in the Olympics in Antwerp in 1920. He would later go west and turn professional and would become a big part of the Victoria Cougars team that won the Stanley Cup in 1925.

Frank Fredrickson

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Frank Foyston

“Frank the Flash” Foyston was a natural sniper who was one of the first players (only ten ever have) to hoist the Stanley Cup with three different teams. A very capable goal scorer, Foyston was one of the first to net 200 goals in a professional career, and his versatility enabled him to be an asset for numerous squads. Although he may not be someone who is equated with legends, his overall body of work does equate to a Toronto induction.

Frank Foyston

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Frank Boucher

Landing with the New York Rangers after the demise of the PCHL may have been the best thing to happen to Frank Boucher. He immediately centered the Cook brothers (Bill & Bun) to form the “Bread Line” which was one of the most productive of the era. In addition to being a gifted playmaker (he led the NHL in assists three times) Boucher was a class act who won the Lady Byng Trophy seven times on his stint on Broadway. His trophy case also had three First Team NHL All Star selections and two Stanley Cups with New York. It had to be easy to induct Boucher so that he could again join his linemate, Bill Cook who was inducted six years previously.

Frank Boucher

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Duke Keats

Best known for becoming a First Team All Star in the five years of the Western Canadian Hockey League’s existence, Duke Keats was a gifted offensive player in his prime. Keats may have had his best season out West, but he did eventually make his way to the NHL and held his own. Keats induction to the Hall is predominantly based on his work in the WCHL which was certainly justified.

Duke Keats

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