The first President of the National Hockey League, Frank Calder navigated through the troubled times of the league’s early days and was one of the game’s first true visionaries. It was not easy, as he faced two World Wars, the Great Depression and of course NHL owners! Calder’s love of the game and dedication to it is honored annually with the awarding of the Calder Trophy given to NHL’s top Rookie.

One of the best defenseman of his (or any) era, Eddie Shore remains the blueliner with the most Hart Trophies (4) for his career. One of the toughest men in the league, he guarded his end of the ice as if it were his family and still managed to be effective on the offensive side of the game. The punishing bruiser was a seven time First Team All Star; though we imagine voters would be afraid not too elect him to any All Star squad or Hall of Fame. We know we would!

Seriously, is there a cooler name in the hockey’s annals than Dit Clapper? Funky name aside, Clapper was the first player to last twenty seasons in professional hockey, and he did not just last; he thrived. He was an All Star at both Left Wing and Defense and was a vital part of three Stanley Cup wins for the Boston Bruins (where he spent his entire career). Clapper was so respected by the world of hockey that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the year that he retired (1947). It was a well earned honor.

One of the early stars of organized hockey, Cyclone Taylor was a prolific scorer and a great two way player. He would lead his respective league in scoring on multiple occasions and would twice be part of Stanley Cup winning teams. As such, Taylor was rewarded with an early induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.