King Clancy’s overall career in hockey is staggering. A very good defenceman for the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Clancy was a three time Stanley Cup winner and a four time Post Season All Star (two on the first team, two on the second) and was a fan favorite for his tenacious and feisty play. After his career on the ice ended, he would go on to coach the Montreal Maroons and later become an NHL referee. Clancy would return to the Toronto Maple Leafs in various front office positions in the following decades. Clancy not only belongs in the Hall of Fame but as an honored member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thankfully, he is both.

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.

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.

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.